Sifan Hassan: ‘I’m Just a Crazy Person, Not an Olympic Legend’
Sifan Hassan, who recently set an Olympic record in the marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics, humbly downplayed her achievements despite winning medals in the 5,000m, 10,000m, and marathon events.
Hassan described her Olympic experience as surreal, saying, “It still feels like a dream. I became an Olympic marathon champion. I also accomplished my goal of winning three medals, including two bronzes and one gold in my favorite events. I don’t even know what to say.”
At Paris 2024, Hassan won bronze in the 5,000m and 10,000m before claiming gold in the marathon. In total, the 31-year-old athlete ran 62 kilometers to earn her three medals at the Games. Initially, she had planned to compete in the 1,500m as well but decided against it after arriving in Paris.
Hassan is the second athlete in history to win three medals in the 5,000m, 10,000m, and marathon at a single Olympics, following the legendary Emil Zatopek, who won three golds at the Helsinki 1952 Olympics. However, Hassan modestly remarked, “I’m not a legend. I’m just a crazy person who’s curious and wants to do everything.”
Hassan won gold in both the 5,000m and 10,000m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics but couldn’t defend these titles in Paris, finishing third in both events. According to the Dutch newspaper AD, it seemed Hassan was conserving her energy for her primary goal—winning the marathon gold.
During the marathon on August 11, Hassan started cautiously, following a strategic approach by drafting behind other runners. She gradually moved up in the ranks, from 42nd place at the 5 km mark to 11th place at the halfway point. Hassan maintained a steady pace, eventually breaking into the top five with 5 km remaining. In the final kilometer, she engaged in a fierce battle with Tigst Assefa, the Ethiopian runner who holds the women’s marathon world record, and pulled ahead in the last 500 meters to win with a time of 2:22:55, setting a new Olympic record.
Reflecting on her victory, Hassan admitted, “I was really still worried. I was scared.” She described the intense competition in the final stretch and the overwhelming relief she felt after crossing the finish line first.
The 2024 Olympic marathon route, which started at Paris City Hall and ended at Les Invalides, was known for its challenging course, with a total elevation gain of 438 meters. To prepare, Hassan’s coach, Tim Rowberry, revealed that she trained in Utah, USA, where the terrain is similarly mountainous. The decision to run the marathon in Paris was made two years prior, and the rigorous training process led to some disagreements between Hassan and her coach.
“She was so focused on endurance that it sometimes affected our relationship,” Rowberry explained. “We had many discussions, which took a lot of energy. We didn’t always agree on how to train, but we found a way to work together.” Despite the challenges, Hassan’s commitment paid off as she succeeded in the marathon and inspired many of her peers.
Fellow runners expressed their admiration for Hassan’s resilience. Sharon Lokedi of Kenya, who finished fourth in the marathon, said, “She’s amazing. Three medals in about 10 days? She gives us hope that we can do anything.” Hellen Obiri, who won the marathon bronze, added, “Honestly, I didn’t expect Hassan to run like that after competing in the track events. She trains very hard and inspires so many athletes.”
