Sifan Hassan’s endurance strategy at the Olympic Games finally paid off after she sprinted away for Olympic marathon gold in the French capital on Sunday.
The Ethiopian-born Dutch athlete came into the marathon on the back of two bronze medals won in the 5,000m and 10,000m in an astonishing bid for podium placings in three events.
And Hassan did not disappoint, holding off Ethiopia’s Assefa for victory in an Olympic record of 2:22:55.
It was similar to Hassan’s efforts in the Olympics Tokyo Games held three years ago when she also won three medals: two golds and a bronze.
Assefa took silver in 2:22.58, with Kenya’s Hellen Obiri claiming bronze (2:23.10).
“It was not easy,” said Hassan. “It was so hot, but I was feeling OK.”
“I’ve never pushed myself through to the finish line as I did today.”
Hassan, who won the 2023 London Marathon on her debut at the distance and then produced the second-best time ever in winning the Chicago Marathon in October in 2:13.44, said the Olympic gold was a crowning glory.
“I was so happy at the London Marathon, but today I’m happier. I can’t believe I’m Olympic marathon champion!” said Hassan.
The 31-year-old Hassan suffered on the grueling ascent at the 1:38 mark, and it looked like that might have been it for her bid for a historic treble.
But Hassan is nothing if not a doughty competitor, and she quickly reeled in the lead group on the dangerous descent.
Assefa and teammate Amane Beriso Shankule pushed on.
The Kenyan trio of Sharon Lokedi, defending champion Peres Jepchirchir, and Obiri stuck with the two Ethiopians as they went through 30km in 1:43.59.
Hassan was toe-to-toe with the East Africans, and at the 33km mark, the pack was down to five, and Jepchirchir dropped.
Shankule also faded with 2km to run, leaving a gang of four for three podium places.
Like a sprint stage of the Tour de France, the quartet came into the last kilometer, sizing each other up, Obiri surging, eyes flicking left and right, all four ready to react at the slightest acceleration.
Hassan probed as the winding finale to Invalides continued, Lokedi failing to match the pace.
And then there were three: Hassan, Assefa and Obiri. Assefa launched one last attack, dropping Obiri.
It came down to Hassan versus Assefa. The Dutch athlete surged around one corner, actually clashing with the Ethiopian.
The pair regained their rhythm, and Hassan delivered a perfect sprint finish for a memorable gold.
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