Hassan’s journey began as a 15-year-old asylum seeker in the Netherlands. Overcoming significant challenges, she blossomed into an extraordinary athlete. Her determination and resilience were on full display in Paris as she added a marathon gold to her impressive collection of Olympic medals, which already included two bronze medals from the 5,000 and 10,000 meters. Her achievements have drawn comparisons to legends like Emil Zátopek, who last accomplished similar feats in 1952.
The marathon in Paris was more than just a race; it was a test of sheer willpower. Known for its grueling course, Paris proved too much for even the great Eliud Kipchoge, who couldn't finish. Yet, Hassan thrived under these conditions, setting a new Olympic record of 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 55 seconds. The victory was marked by three pivotal moments that demonstrated Hassan’s strategic prowess and unmatched speed.
At the 28-kilometer mark, Hassan faced a significant challenge as she fell behind the leading group by over 50 meters while navigating an uphill section. However, her resilience shone through as she closed the gap on the flat terrain. The final decisive moment came with less than 300 meters to the finish line. Engaging in a fierce sprint against world record holder Tigst Assefa, Hassan’s track training paid off as she surged ahead, winning by three seconds. Despite the physical and mental toll, Hassan’s determination never wavered, driven by the possibility of making history.
Reflecting on her performance, Hassan expressed her amazement at her own achievement. "I have no words," she said. "Every moment in the race I was regretting that I ran the 5,000m and 10,000m. I was telling myself if I hadn’t done that, I would feel great today. The moment I started to feel good at 20km, I knew that I wanted gold. But everybody else was fresh, and all I was thinking was: 'When are they going to break? They’re going to go hard.' At the end I thought: 'This is just a 100m sprint. Come on, Sifan.'"
Hassan’s victory was a statement not just of athletic prowess but also of personal expression. At the victory ceremony, she wore a striking red hijab, defying the host nation's regulations against athletes donning headscarves during the opening ceremony. Her gesture resonated globally, reflecting her confidence and conviction.
Bronze medallist Hellen Obri, from Kenya, highlighted Hassan's extraordinary abilities, saying, “In the end, I knew she would carry the day because of her sprint finish. She has done so well in the 5,000m, 10,000m, and 1,500m, so she was capable of winning in a sprint finish. She is so amazing, doing track and the marathon. So many people can’t do that, but Sifan has shown the world that she can.”
Hassan’s marathon journey has been nothing short of dramatic. Her debut in London last year was marked by a near-collision with a motorcycle and frequent stops due to cramps, yet she triumphed against the odds. Victories in Chicago and a fourth-place finish in Tokyo followed, showcasing her growing confidence in the marathon distance despite her initial fears. "I am scared of the marathon," Hassan admitted before arriving in Paris. However, her performance in Paris proved otherwise, as she conquered her fears to secure a place among the greatest distance runners in history.
