Sifan Hassan had a singular goal in mind for the Paris Olympics – to finish the marathon. The 31-year-old Dutch runner, who has been contemplating her ambitious challenge for weeks, was drawn to the task by Olympic history. Only Emil Zátopek of Czechia has medaled in all three of the Games’ longest races: the 5000m, 10,000m, and marathon. Hassan, an avid admirer of Zátopek, chose to follow in his footsteps by signing up for all three events within nine days.
After earning bronze medals in the 5000m and 10,000m races, Hassan faced the daunting marathon on Sunday, a prospect that made her feel uneasy leading up to the event. “To finish the marathon is a kind of hell,” she admitted. Yet, against all odds, she not only finished but won gold with a remarkable Olympic record time of 2:22.55.
In the aftermath of her victory, an emotional Hassan shared, “I have so many emotions… I was scared of this race. I was never more focused in my life.” Her determination shone through, especially during the crucial final moments of the marathon. With 150 meters to the finish, she demonstrated her sprinting prowess, overcoming world record holder Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia to claim the lead.
Hassan celebrated her victory with a triumphant gesture, pointing her fingers skyward as she crossed the finish line, making history in the process. By winning gold in the marathon, along with her previous bronze medals in the 5000m and 10,000m, she became the first athlete to earn Olympic medals across all four distance races.
Expressing disbelief at her achievement, Hassan remarked, “I feel like I am dreaming… the marathon is something else… every single step you feel so hard and so painful.” Her time narrowly surpassed the previous Olympic record of 2:23.07, set by Ethiopia’s Tiki Gelana in 2012.
Assefa secured silver with a time of 2:22.58, marking her first Olympic medal, while Kenya’s Hellen Obiri claimed bronze at 2:23.10. American athletes Dakotah Lindwurm and Emily Sisson finished 12th and 23rd, respectively, while 2024 U.S. Marathon Trials champion Fiona O’Keeffe dropped out early.
The marathon concluded the track and field events of the Paris Olympics, serving as a fitting tribute to Hassan’s extraordinary performance. Notably, she entered the marathon scene only recently, having never participated in a professional marathon until April 2023, when she won her debut at the London Marathon.
Throughout her career, Hassan’s remarkable journey has inspired many. Originally from Ethiopia, she resettled in the Netherlands as a 15-year-old refugee, facing loneliness that made her feel like “a flower that didn’t receive sunlight.” Her incredible achievements in athletics have since transformed her into a symbol of hope and resilience.