The very special career of the marathon queen
At the finish line, there's a back and forth, but ultimately, Sifan Hassan claims Olympic gold in the marathon. The Dutchwoman caps off her unique career, which began with a flight, with a 42.195 km run.
In the final meters, Sifan Hassan kept looking back. Could Tigist Assefa still counter in this spectacular race? No. After a dramatic marathon, Hassan sprinted to the finish line first, winning gold in the ultimate running classic. She threw her arms up in joy and then collapsed, completely exhausted.
"It wasn't easy," said the Dutchwoman, once she had recovered. "It was so hot, but I felt good. I've never fought so hard to the finish line like today. I can't believe I'm an Olympic champion in the marathon."
After 42.195 km on a challenging course and 2:22:55 minutes, Hassan had a mere three-second lead over world record holder Assefa (Ethiopia) at the Esplanade des Invalides, with Hellen Obiri (Kenya) taking bronze in 2:23:10.
She cried every day in her room
This is Hassan's third medal in Paris, the 31-year-old had previously won bronze in the 5000m and 10,000m at the Stade de France. While she aimed for three golds, like Emil Zatopek in 1952, she returns home with a smile, having crowned her already impressive career with six Olympic medals and ten at world and European championships. "She's from another planet," said Laura Hottenrott, who finished 38th.
Hassan seemed to have no future as a teenager. Born in Adama, southeast of Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, she grew up on a farm with her mother and grandmother. At 15, she boarded a plane alone to seek asylum in the Netherlands. She hasn't spoken about the reasons since. In the asylum seeker accommodation, Hassan cried every day. "I was like a flower without sunlight," she once said.
Ad Peeters discovered Hassan's running talent in Eindhoven, launching her world career. "I feel like I'm dreaming," said Hassan: "When I crossed the finish line, it was a redemption."
Sifan Hassan's historic performance at the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris will undoubtedly be remembered, adding another gold medal to her already impressive collection. Despite the challenges she faced as a teenager, moving to the Netherlands alone and growing up on a farm, Hassan has proven to be a resilient athlete, overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness.
