Sifan Hassan became the Olympic marathon champion in Paris on Sunday. The Dutch athlete won in a sprint against world record holder Ethiopian Tigist Assefa and Kenyan Helle Obiri, with a time of 2:22:55.
Hassan, a double Olympic champion in Tokyo in the 5000m and 10,000m and bronze medalist in both events this week, achieved her bold goal of combining track and road racing. She had already made a strong impression in 2023 by winning her first marathon in London.
In Paris, she managed the final perfectly, staying in ambush behind Ethiopians Tigist Assefa and Amane Shankule, and Kenyans Sharon Lokedi and Hellen Obiri. The latter increased the pace in the last 2 kilometers, distancing Shankule and Lokedi, before succumbing to a final attack from Sifan Hassan, who broke the Olympic record by 12 seconds in the process.
The Dutchwoman of Ethiopian origin was still on the track on Friday night during the 10,000m final. With 3 medals in one week, including one gold, she will be remembered as one of the great women of these Olympic Games.
Schlumpf in 16th place
Gold medalist in Tokyo, Peres Jepchirchir was unable to contend for a medal this time. The Kenyan fell apart about ten kilometers from the finish and only finished 15th.
A top-15 that the Swiss women just couldn’t reach, particularly Fabienne Schlumpf. The 33-year-old from Zurich finished in 16th place, 5:15 behind Sifan Hassan. Meanwhile, Helen Bekele completed her effort in 22nd final position, 6:48 behind the leader.
ats/bur