Sifan Hassan clinched the gold medal in the Olympic marathon at the Paris Games, while Kenya’s Hellen Obiri earned a well-deserved bronze. The marathon, held on a challenging course through the heart of Paris and out to Versailles, saw Hassan, an Ethiopian-born Dutch athlete, emerge victorious with a record-breaking time of 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 55 seconds.
Hassan’s victory was the culmination of a remarkable Olympic campaign, where she ambitiously competed in three events: the 5,000m, 10,000m, and the marathon. Having already secured two bronze medals in the shorter races, Hassan entered the marathon determined to complete her treble with a gold. The 31-year-old’s triumph mirrored her performance at the Tokyo Games three years ago, where she won three medals—two golds in the 5,000m and 10,000m, and a bronze in the 1,500m.
The marathon route was steeped in historical significance, tracing the path of the Women’s March on Versailles during the French Revolution. The course featured a grueling 436-meter climb and an equally challenging 438-meter descent, with the maximum gradient reaching a punishing 13.5 percent. These elements tested the athletes’ stamina and mental fortitude, particularly as the race progressed under the hot Parisian sun.
From the outset, the race was a tightly contested battle among the world’s top marathon runners. Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa and Amane Beriso Shankule, along with Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi, defending champion Peres Jepchirchir, and Hellen Obiri, formed a lead pack that stayed together through much of the race. The group crossed the 30km mark in 1:43:59, setting up a thrilling final phase.
At the 33km mark, the pack began to thin out. Jepchirchir, the defending Olympic champion, was the first to fall behind, followed by Shankule as the race neared its conclusion. This left just four contenders—Hassan, Assefa, Obiri, and Lokedi—to battle for the podium.
In a dramatic final kilometer, the race took on the intensity of a sprint finish. Obiri, eyes scanning her competitors, launched a surge, but it was Hassan who responded with a decisive acceleration. Lokedi was unable to keep up, and the contest for medals was down to three: Hassan, Assefa, and Obiri.
As the runners approached the finish, Assefa made one last desperate attempt to take the lead, but Hassan was equal to the challenge. The two athletes briefly clashed as they rounded a corner, but Hassan quickly regained her rhythm and unleashed a powerful sprint. Assefa could only watch as Hassan crossed the line first, securing her place in history as the Olympic marathon champion.
Assefa took the silver with a time of 2:22:58, just three seconds behind Hassan, while Obiri finished third in 2:23:10, earning Kenya yet another Olympic marathon medal. Despite the fierce competition and challenging conditions, Obiri’s bronze was a testament to her resilience and tactical acumen.
Reflecting on her victory, Hassan expressed her joy and disbelief. “It was not easy,” she admitted. “It was so hot, but I was feeling OK. I’ve never pushed myself through to the finish line as I did today. I was so happy in the London Marathon, but today I’m more happy, I can’t believe I’m Olympic marathon champion!”
Hassan’s win not only highlights her extraordinary talent and determination but also cements her status as one of the greatest distance runners of her generation. Meanwhile, Obiri’s bronze adds to Kenya’s proud legacy in long-distance running, showcasing the nation’s enduring prowess on the world stage.
