The Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan made history at the Tokyo Olympics by winning the gold medal in the women’s marathon, adding to the bronze medals she had already secured in the 5,000m and 10,000m events earlier in the week. Hassan's remarkable performance showcased her exceptional talent and versatility in long-distance running.
During the marathon, Hassan demonstrated her incredible sprint finish, overtaking Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa, who claimed the silver medal, and Kenya’s Helen Obiri, who took home the bronze, in the final meters of the race. Despite staying with the leading pack for a significant portion of the event, Hassan's strategic move in the closing stages secured her the top spot on the podium.
Prior to her marathon victory, Hassan had already made waves in the track and field world by attempting a challenging triple in Tokyo, competing in the women’s 1,500m, 5,000m, and 10,000m races. Her exceptional performance led to gold in the 5,000m and 10,000m events, along with a bronze in the 1,500m, making her the first athlete to medal in all three events at the same Olympic Games.
With the addition of the marathon gold medal to her collection, Hassan has solidified her status as a trailblazer in long-distance running. Her unprecedented achievements have cemented her legacy in the sport and established her as one of the most versatile and successful athletes in the history of long-distance running.
