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The US sprint legend has sung the praises of the Dutch long-distance athlete who made history by signing up for three races at the Paris Olympics and medaling in all of them.
American sprint legend Michael Johnson has expressed his admiration for Dutch long distance running great Sifan Hassan.
Hassan is among athletes who wowed fans in 2024, especially after her decision to feature in three races at the Paris Olympics that yielded as many medals.
The runner’s tenacity and ability to beat the odds has made her a fan favourite and she displayed it in Paris where she won bronze in both 5,000m and 10,000 before putting the icing on the cake with a gold in marathon.
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16:15 - 30.12.2024
Sifan Hassan: Why Olympics marathon champion has been busy at work during festive season
Olympics marathon champion Sifan Hassan has given reasons why she has been busy at work during the festive season when most of her peers are on a break.
Hassan won her marathon gold medal just 37 hours after her third place in 10,000, showing the remarkable level of strength that she possesses, as well as the ability to take on any challenge.
In fact, she had initially signed up for four races in Paris before she pulled out of the 1,500m just days to the Olympics but became only the second person in history after Emil Zotopek at Helsinki 1952 to medal in three events in the same Games and Johnson is in awe of her.
"Absolute legend! Loves to race, loves challenges, not afraid to lose," Johnson posted on X.
Hassan’s heroics in Paris has seen her rewarded post-season, having been named World Athletics’ Athlete of the Year Out of Stadia as well as the Female Athlete of the Year while she was also crowned Dutch Sportsperson of the Year, both in December.
The 32-year-old has indicated that she still intends to test her limits, hinting of the possibility of going for four races at the 2025 World Athletics Championships and few will bet against her given what was witnessed in Paris.
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