Women's marathon

Marathon Madness: Hassan Hits Gold While Aussie Runners Chase Dreams!

Sifan Hassan steals the show in the women's marathon as Aussie athletes make their mark at the Paris 2024 Olympics! 🏃‍♀️🇦🇺

The 2024 Paris Olympics concluded with a thrilling women’s marathon that showcased grit, determination, and a good deal of elbowing on the course. The star of the day, Dutch athlete Sifan Hassan, claimed the gold medal in a nail-biting finish, using her renowned late kick to surge past her competitors. Hassan's sprint to victory was a spectacular sight as she edged out Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa by a whisker, demonstrating that every second counts in the marathon. Kenyian Hellen Obiri rounded out the podium with a bronze, creating a fine showcase of talent and breathless excitement that will likely be remembered for years to come.

Meanwhile, fans cheered on their Aussie contingent, including Sinead Diver, Genevieve Gregson, and Jess Stenson. It was a bittersweet day for Australian marathon enthusiasts as Diver withdrew just 1.2 kilometres into the race, which left many supporters with heavy hearts. Nonetheless, Gregson and Stenson pressed on, showcasing the tenacity and fighting spirit that Australian athletes are known for. As the crowd roared, these runners embodied the essence of the Olympics, pushing through pain and fatigue to complete the course and inspire onlookers.

As the cameras turned back to Hassan, it was hard not to marvel at her accomplishments—leaving Paris with not just a gold medal but also two bronze medals in her pocket! This moment became a historic highlight for both her and the Netherlands. To have won medals across multiple distances and in competitive style is no small feat, and Hassan proved once again why she's often regarded as one of the best in long-distance running, both on the track and on the roads.

In addition to the marathon, there were cheering crowds at the basketball court where Australia’s women fought hard for bronze, echoing the same spirit of perseverance. Despite the ups and downs of the games, such performances underline the incredible depth of talent present in Australian athletics. As the Olympics draw to a close, the stories from this monumental event will carry on, leaving fans inspired by the strength of these athletes comes not just from winning medals but from the unity and passion for their sports.

Did you know? Sifan Hassan became the first woman ever to win Olympic gold in both the 5000m and 10,000m events before her marathon triumph in Paris! That's a triple crown indeed! And fun fact: The women's marathon was introduced to the Olympics only in 1984, yet it has quickly grown to become one of the most-watched events in the athletic calendar, showcasing the incredible endurance and spirit of female athletes.