Sifan Hassan became Olympic champion in the marathon. © APA/afp / ANDREJ ISAKOVIC

Sifan Hassan writes marathon history

After two bronze medals on the track, Sifan Hassan has won Olympic gold in the marathon.

August 11, 2024

From: dpa/dl

The Dutchwoman won in a thrilling final sprint in the Olympic record time of 2:22:55 hours ahead of the world record holder Tigst Assefa from Ethiopia, and the two even came into physical contact in the final. Third place went to the Kenyan Hellen Obiri, who won her third Olympic medal.

As in Tokyo, Hassan leaves the Olympic Games as a three-time medalist. After bronze in the 5.000 and 10.000 meters, she now has gold. Overall, she is a three-time Olympic champion. 31-year-old Hassan was born in Ethiopia and came to the Netherlands as a refugee at the age of 15.

The marathon course in Paris is demanding. © ANSA / CHRISTIAN BRUNA

The challenging course first led past many sights, then over hills to the palace in Versailles and back to Paris. The inclines also made it difficult for the runners to get supplies. On the climb just before the 30-kilometer mark, the battle for the medals became more intense. Nine runners were still together after the downhill section - then the pace increased more and more.