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Bhutan's Kinzang Lhamo Makes Olympic Marathon Debut

In this July 23, 2021 file photo, Japan's Naomi Osaka holds the Olympic torch during the opening ceremony in the Olympic Stadium at the 2020 Summer Olympics, in Tokyo, Japan. The 2024 Paris Oly

The Paris Games may be drawing to a close, but the Olympic spirit is burning brightly as athletes continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. One such athlete is Kinzang Lhamo, who etched her name in Bhutanese sports history by becoming the country's first-ever Olympic marathon runner.

Despite facing tough competition in the women's marathon event, Lhamo's determination and resilience were on full display. While she trailed behind the frontrunners, including eventual winner Sifan Hassan, Lhamo never lost heart.

As Lhamo pressed on, the crowd lining the streets of Paris rallied behind her, turning her into an instant fan favorite. Their cheers and encouragement propelled her forward, even as she slowed down to a walk at times.

Ultimately, Lhamo crossed the finish line in 80th place, completing the grueling race in a time of 3 hours, 52 minutes, and 59 seconds. While her finish time was over an hour and a half behind the winner, her achievement was met with admiration and respect from spectators and fellow athletes alike.

By refusing to give up and pushing herself to the limit, Kinzang Lhamo exemplified the true spirit of the Olympics – a spirit of perseverance, sportsmanship, and unwavering determination. Her historic performance will be remembered as a shining moment of triumph and inspiration in the annals of Olympic history.

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