Sifan Hassan celebrates her historic World Athlete of the Year award after an unprecedented triple-medal performance at the Paris Olympics.
Three-time Olympic gold medalist Sifan Hassan has dedicated her 2024 Women’s World Athlete of the Year award to young girls with big dreams.
The 31-year-old Ethiopian-born Dutch runner, who stunned the world with her achievements at the Paris Olympics, has become an icon of perseverance and courage for athletes worldwide.
At the Paris Olympics, Hassan won bronze in the 5,000m and 10,000m events before claiming gold in the women’s marathon, achieving a historic feat.
She became the first athlete in 72 years to win medals in all three events in a single Games.
“I am so honored. Being named World Athlete of the Year among such incredible athletes, and on such a year, means the world to me,” Hassan wrote on X, the social media platform.
Her achievement echoes the legacy of Emil Zátopek, the legendary Czech athlete who is the only other person in Olympic history to medal in the Games’ three longest races: the 5,000m, 10,000m, and marathon.
Inspired by Zátopek’s extraordinary career, Hassan took on what she calls a “terrifying” challenge, completing an unprecedented 38.6-mile gauntlet over nine days at the Paris Games.
“This year, my curiosity pushed me to take a risk and compete in three distances at the Paris Olympics. It was terrifying, and that made each finish line more meaningful. It wasn’t perfect, but sometimes happiness comes from embracing imperfections,” Hassan shared.
Hassan’s rise to glory began with her move to the Netherlands, where she joined a local athletics club as a teenager.
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A former refugee from Ethiopia, she found solace and community in running.
Over the years, her determination carried her to the global stage, representing the Netherlands at the 2016 Rio Games and earning her first Olympic medals in Tokyo three years ago.
But it was her performance in Paris that cemented her status as a legend in the sport.
“This award isn’t just for me, my team, and my family. It’s for every young girl out there, watching, dreaming, and believing that she can achieve greatness through sport. To all of you, I want to say: keep exercising, keep training, keep pushing, keep believing, and always remember that no dream is too big,” Hassan concluded her heartfelt message.
Her historic victory in the marathon was not only a personal milestone but also a testament to her enduring spirit.
Hassan trained tirelessly to prepare for her debut in the grueling event, knowing the odds were stacked against her.
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Despite the physical and mental toll, she emerged triumphant, inspiring millions with her resilience.
Hassan’s achievements this year also earned her the title of Female Out-of-Stadium Athlete of the Year.
Reflecting on her journey, Hassan revealed how her childhood admiration for marathon runners shaped her ambitions.
“Since I was young, I watched marathon runners with admiration. They made me wonder if I could run like them, or if I could even finish a marathon. I used to wonder if I could even race a 10km,” she said.
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In a year filled with record-breaking performances and personal triumphs, Hassan’s story resonates deeply.
Her Paris Olympics feat, combined with her message of hope, has left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring the next generation of runners to dream big and chase their goals with unwavering determination.
