Dutch long-distance sensation Sifan Hassan has announced a bold plan for the 2024 Paris Olympics, setting her sights on a historic treble. The 31-year-old will compete in the marathon, 5,000 meters, and 10,000 meters, seeking to emulate Czech legend Emil Zátopek’s feat from Helsinki in 1952, where he claimed gold in all three events.
Hassan’s decision to pursue this ambitious goal was shared on social media, where she expressed her excitement and curiosity about the challenge ahead. “I am excited to announce I will run the 5,000m, 10,000m, and the marathon here in Paris. I am a curious person looking forward to the challenges, and trying to find out what is possible. I love the journey as much as the challenge,” she said.
The announcement marks a significant shift in Hassan’s Olympic strategy. At the Tokyo 2020 Games, she achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first athlete to win medals in the 1,500m, 5,000m, and 10,000m. Hassan’s versatility and endurance were on full display as she secured two gold medals and one bronze in Tokyo. However, her decision to drop the 1,500m and add the marathon introduces an entirely new dimension to her quest.
Hassan’s marathon debut last year in London was a stunning success, where she claimed victory, demonstrating her adaptability and endurance. Despite this, the marathon presents a new challenge, as it requires a different blend of speed and stamina compared to track events. “Did I balance speed on the track with enough endurance in the marathon? Let’s find out together,” Hassan mused, acknowledging the difficulty of transitioning between disciplines.
The Paris Olympic schedule will be particularly demanding for Hassan. The 10,000m final is set for August 9, just 35 hours before the marathon begins on August 11. Additionally, she will compete in the 5,000m heats on August 2, with the final likely on August 5. This rigorous timetable will total 62.195 kilometers of Olympic competition, challenging her recovery and preparation.
Hassan’s ambition has garnered admiration from various quarters. US track legend Michael Johnson praised her audacious goal, stating on social media: “For anyone else this would be insane! I don’t believe there’s ever been an athlete who enjoys racing more than Sifan Hassan.” His comments underscore the respect and awe her career has inspired.
Hassan’s journey to this point is remarkable. Arriving in the Netherlands as a 15-year-old refugee from Ethiopia, she has become a symbol of resilience and determination. Although she has remained private about her reasons for leaving Ethiopia, her achievements on the global stage speak volumes about her character and dedication.
In Tokyo, Hassan’s resilience was evident when she recovered from a dramatic fall in the 1,500m to claim bronze, before bouncing back to secure gold in the 5,000m and 10,000m. Her ability to overcome setbacks and excel under pressure has been a hallmark of her career, and she will need that same mental fortitude as she faces the challenges in Paris.
Hassan’s pursuit of a historic treble is a testament to her extraordinary capabilities and her relentless drive to push the boundaries of what is possible in athletics. As the Paris Olympics approach, all eyes will be on Hassan to see if she can achieve this unprecedented feat and add another chapter to her already illustrious career.
