Sifan Hassan Triumphs in Epic Elbow-to-Elbow Battle for Women’s Marathon Gold at Paris Olympics

Sifan Hassan has captured gold in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics, adding to her earlier bronze medals in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters events.

PARIS, France — The Dutch runner faced a grueling 10-day challenge, participating in three events covering 38 miles (62 kilometers) in total. In the final 150 meters of the marathon, she outpaced Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa after a fierce battle to secure her victory.

“I feel like I am dreaming,” said Hassan after her win. “At the end, I thought, ‘This is just a 100-meter sprint. Come on, Sifan. One more. Just feel it.’” She revealed that each step was a personal challenge and expressed her immense gratitude for overcoming it.

As she crossed the finish line, Hassan celebrated by raising her hands and shouting before draping herself in the Dutch flag. The emotional weight of her accomplishment led her to lower her head into her hands, appearing to cry tears of joy.

Significantly, Hassan wore a hijab for the marathon and stepped onto the podium to accept her gold medal while wearing it. This act stood out in a country where the hijab policy had previously caused controversy during the Games’ opening ceremony, affecting athletes such as French sprinter Sounkamba Sylla.

The marathon itself was a spectacle of suspense and tenacity, set against the golden dome of Paris. Hassan finished with an Olympic record time of 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 55 seconds. Assefa secured silver, just three seconds behind, while Kenya’s Hellen Obiri took bronze.

The Ethiopian team lodged a protest against Hassan, alleging obstruction during the race, but it was dismissed by the Jury of Appeal. Post-race, Assefa commented on the incident, saying through a translator, “Maybe at that moment, if she didn’t push me, I would have the gold.”

Hassan now boasts six Olympic medals in her career. “She has shown the world that she can do everything,” said Obiri. “People say it’s impossible, but she’s done it.” Obiri had attempted earlier in the race to increase the pace, knowing she would struggle against Hassan in a sprint finish.

This marathon was unique as it was held on the final day of the Olympics instead of the men’s race. Hassan applied a strategy of staying behind the leaders for most of the marathon before launching her final, decisive sprint.

During the race, she maneuvered around Assefa, who tried to impede her near a turn. Despite trading elbows, Hassan surged ahead to claim victory. Her story began three years ago at the Tokyo Games, where she overcame a fall to win a bronze in the 1,500 meters, and has since built a reputation for resilience and speed.

Although she wasn’t as dominant in recent years, Hassan had been preparing for this moment. Her participation in multiple races within a tight schedule showed her endurance and strategy. She aimed to emulate Emil Zatopek’s feat from 1952, seeking to win the 5,000, 10,000, and marathon in a single Olympic Games.

While she did not fully achieve that goal, Hassan’s performance left an indelible mark on the world of athletics. “She’s inspired so many people,” Obiri noted.

Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi finished fourth, and Peres Jepchirchir, the defending champion, came in 15th. Runner Shankule dropped off near the end, narrowing the front pack. Lokedi fell back as they neared the finish line opposite the Dome of Invalides, Napoleon’s resting place.

The marathon followed a historic route reminiscent of the Women’s March on Versailles in 1789, which protested high bread prices. From the Hôtel de Ville, the runners traversed a scenic route that included landmarks like the Opéra Garnier and the Louvre before looping back towards Paris.