Ethiopian runner Tamirat Tola clinched victory in the men’s marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Saturday. Tola’s exceptional performance saw him cross the finish line with a time of 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 26 seconds, setting a new Olympic record. His triumph marked a significant moment in the marathon event, not only due to his personal achievement but also because of the dramatic turn of events for Kenyan star Eliud Kipchoge.
Tola’s race was a masterclass in front-running. From the outset, he established a commanding lead, maintaining his pace with unrelenting precision. His victory was secured by a 21-second margin over Belgium’s Bashir Abdi, who claimed the silver medal. Abdi’s performance was notable as it represented an upgrade from his bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games, reflecting his continued progress and resilience. Kenya’s Benson Kipruto, who had previously triumphed in Tokyo, Boston, and Chicago, completed the podium in third place, finishing 13 seconds behind Abdi.
For Tola, the victory was a culmination of years of dedication and perseverance. The 32-year-old, who celebrated his 33rd birthday the day after the race, had previously achieved notable success in long-distance running, including winning the 2022 World Championship in Eugene. His recent achievements included a third-place finish at the 2023 London Marathon and a course record win at the New York City Marathon. Tola’s transition from a promising 10,000m runner, where he won a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, to marathon champion illustrates his versatility and exceptional talent.
In a twist that added drama to the marathon, Eliud Kipchoge, the defending champion and previous Olympic gold medalist from Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2021, was forced to withdraw from the race. The 39-year-old Kenyan, who was making a bid for an unprecedented third consecutive gold medal, was seen pulling up just after the 30km mark. At that point, Kipchoge was languishing in 71st place, over eight minutes behind the leaders. His withdrawal effectively ended his quest for a historic third gold and was a significant blow to his storied career.
The crowd witnessed an emotional moment when Kipchoge, despite his disappointment, turned to the spectators and handed over his shoes, bib, and socks to enthusiastic fans. His gesture was met with a rapturous reception, highlighting the deep respect and admiration he commands in the athletics community.
The marathon course itself provided a challenging test for the runners. Stretching 42km from central Paris to Versailles, it featured a route that echoed a pivotal event from the French Revolution—the Women’s March on Versailles. The course included a significant 436m climb and a 438m descent, with a maximum gradient of 13.5 percent, adding to the race’s difficulty.
Tola’s teammate, Kenenisa Bekele, who had an illustrious career in the 5,000m and 10,000m before switching to the marathon, finished in 39th place with a time of 2:12:24. Although Bekele did not feature prominently in this marathon, his presence in the field underscored Ethiopia’s continued strength in long-distance running.
Overall, Tola’s victory is a testament to his remarkable preparation and strategy, marking a historic moment in marathon running. As the marathon concludes in Paris, the spotlight now turns to future events, with Tola’s performance serving as a benchmark for excellence in distance running.
