Sifan Hassan, the Olympic marathon champion, has been a trailblazer in distance running, achieving remarkable feats on both the track and road. Despite her extraordinary accomplishments, including winning Olympic marathon gold and securing double bronze in the 10,000m and 5,000m at the Paris Olympics, Hassan has humbly dismissed the idea of being the greatest female distance runner of all time.
The 31-year-old, who made history by becoming the first athlete since Emil Zatopek in 1952 to win medals in three different events at the same Games, insists that embracing the title of “GOAT” would hinder her drive to improve. She believes that there is always room for growth, no matter how successful one becomes. Hassan explained that by considering herself the greatest, she would lose the motivation to push further and reach new heights. For her, the key to continued success lies in the constant pursuit of improvement.
Hassan’s humility is matched by her ambitious goals. She is focused on running faster at every distance, from the mile to the marathon, and aims to achieve unprecedented feats, such as competing in four major marathons in a single year. Her determination to push the boundaries of what is possible is evident in her approach to training and competition.
Her marathon breakthrough came in 2023 when she won the London Marathon, a victory that was far from easy. Hassan faced several challenges during the race, including pre-race nerves, an injured hip that required her to stop and stretch, and a near-collision with a motorbike. Despite these obstacles, she triumphed, demonstrating resilience and grit. Reflecting on her London victory, Hassan described it as a “miracle” that came through hard work, perseverance, and belief in herself. The win was a turning point, sparking her focus on the Paris Olympics, where she would go on to achieve even more.
Hassan’s Olympic success in Paris was equally impressive, especially considering the struggles she faced in the lead-up to the Games. Overtraining left her feeling exhausted and unmotivated, and she initially thought her Olympic year was over. However, she pushed through the challenges, doing her best despite feeling drained, and emerged with multiple medals.
Since her Paris triumph, the marathon world has been rocked by Ruth Chepngetich’s world record of 2:09:56. Hassan, who marvels at Chepngetich’s achievement, views it as a source of inspiration. She is motivated by the possibility of breaking the record herself, believing that with the right training, it is within her reach. Hassan envisions a gradual progression, first reaching a time of 2:11, then 2:10, before ultimately attempting to run the world record time. The incredible performance by Chepngetich has proven that such a feat is possible, and Hassan is determined to follow in her footsteps.
Despite her many accolades, Hassan remains focused on the future, constantly seeking ways to improve and redefine the limits of what is possible in marathon running. Her humility, combined with her relentless ambition, ensures that she will continue to be a force in the world of athletics for years to come.
