Sifan Hassan, the iconic Dutch athlete who claimed a stunning gold medal in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is now setting her sights on the Sydney Marathon. Hassan, who also won bronze in the 10,000m and 5000m in Paris, has signed up to run alongside legendary runner Eliud Kipchoge in Sydney on August 31. This race marks Sydney’s debut as a World Marathon Major, joining other major marathons in cities like London, Chicago, and Tokyo.
Expressing her excitement about running in Australia, Hassan mentioned her long-standing dream of visiting the country known for producing great athletes. Born in Ethiopia and later moving to the Netherlands as a teenage refugee, Hassan has an impressive track record in athletics. She is the only woman to have won Olympic and World Championship gold in distances ranging from the 1500m to the marathon.
At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Hassan clinched gold in the 5000m and 10,000m, along with a bronze in the 1500m. In a bid to match Emil Zatopek’s historic treble of gold in the 1952 Olympics, Hassan took on the challenge of competing in the 5000m, 10,000m, and marathon at the 2024 Olympics. Despite initial doubts and fears about the marathon, Hassan’s determination and training regimen paid off, leading her to victory in the London and Chicago marathons.
Her relentless pursuit of challenges saw her compete in multiple events at the Paris Olympics, including the marathon less than 48 hours after the 10,000m final. Battling exhaustion and a grueling course, Hassan staged a remarkable comeback in the marathon, utilizing her track skills to secure a memorable sprint finish and claim gold in an Olympic record time.
Recognized as the World Athletics female athlete of the year, Hassan holds personal bests in various distances, including a marathon time of 2:13:44. While she may not be aiming to break world records in the Sydney Marathon, Hassan’s affinity for tough challenges makes her a formidable contender for the race. With her exceptional track record and unwavering determination, Hassan’s participation in the Sydney Marathon adds to the event’s prestige and excitement.
As the countdown to the Sydney Marathon begins, spectators and fellow athletes eagerly anticipate witnessing Hassan’s extraordinary talent and competitive spirit on display once again. Her journey from Paris to Sydney exemplifies the resilience and dedication required to excel in the world of marathon running, inspiring aspiring athletes and fans worldwide.
📰 Related Articles
- Eliud Kipchoge Set for Sydney Marathon Debut
- TCS Sydney Marathon Partners with Seven Network for Extensive Coverage
- Sydney Marathon Joins Prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors
- Seven Network to Broadcast 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon Live
- Samsung Partners with TCS Sydney Marathon for Health Innovation