Sifan Hassan’s journey at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games reached a dramatic conclusion on Sunday, as the Dutch runner claimed gold in the women’s marathon, setting a new Olympic record with a time of 2:22:55. It was a race that tested every ounce of her strength and determination, culminating in a thrilling sprint finish that saw her outlast Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa by just three seconds.
Hassan’s victory in the marathon was the final chapter in a remarkable Olympic campaign that had already seen her win bronze medals in both the 5000m and 10,000m events. Despite the exhaustion of competing in three demanding races in just over a week, Hassan dug deep in the final stages of the marathon, overcoming both her competitors and the grueling course.
The marathon itself was a battle of endurance and tactics. As the race reached its climax, it was clear that the medals would be decided between Hassan, Assefa, and Kenya’s Hellen Obiri. In the final kilometers, Hassan and Assefa broke away, turning the race into a thrilling head-to-head contest. As they approached the finish line, Hassan’s superior speed and determination carried her to victory, securing her place in the history books.
Hassan’s triumph makes her the first woman ever to win medals in the 5000m, 10,000m, and marathon at the same Olympic Games, a feat that echoes the legendary Emil Zatopek’s achievement in 1952. This gold medal also brings her total Olympic medal count to six, further establishing her as one of the greatest athletes of her generation.
