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Despite being a three-time Olympic champion, Ethiopian-born Dutch phenomenon Siffan Hassan does not own a home, and her coach has revealed the reason why.
Sifan Hassan, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the most versatile athletes in the world, has astonished fans not only with her resilience on the track but also with her unconventional lifestyle.
Despite her success and financial achievements, Hassan has made the surprising choice not to own a home—a decision rooted in the unique demands of her elite athletic career.
Hassan's coach, Tim Rowberry, recently shed light on why the long-distance running sensation has eschewed the traditional notion of homeownership.
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09:30 - 17.11.2024
Sifan Hassan’s coach reveals how Eliud Kipchoge’s advice propelled her to Paris Olympics glory
Dutch running great Sifan Hassan completed a memorable Paris Olympics by winning marathon gold and his coach Tim Rowberry has now explained how Eliud Kipchoge had a hand in her success.
“We have the same lifestyle. We are basically a team at this point. Sifan does not own a home. I also don’t own a home,” Rowberry revealed in an interview with LetsRun.com.
Their nomadic existence stems from the constant travel required to optimize training and racing. Hassan and Rowberry previously lived in Portland, Oregon, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, the inefficiency of paying rent while spending minimal time in the area became evident.
“We realized we were paying rent the whole year but only there for one or two months maximum,” Rowberry explained. “Sifan couldn’t go to the embassy, her visa ran out of the U.S., so we were forced to train outside the country. We went to Namibia, Tenerife, and even Iten, Kenya.”
Currently, Hassan’s primary training base is in Park City, Utah, where they spend about four to six months each year. The altitude and access to specialized resources make it an ideal location for elite athletes.
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17:21 - 16.11.2024
'She pays for all of our training costs' - Coach Tim Rowberry reveals Sifan Hassan's generous side
Sifan Hassan's coach Tim Rowberry revealed that he operates independently, relying on Sifan Hassan for funding and covering training costs.
“When I come here, I think I have all the resources I need,” Rowberry shared. “I have a lot of friends here, from physios to doctors. If we have a problem, I can always ask for a favor to bring her what she needs.”
Hassan’s decision to forgo owning a home reflects the sacrifices required to maintain her status at the pinnacle of athletics. “We are training almost the whole year with very short time for rest,” Rowberry explained. This relentless focus on preparation and competition has left little room for settling down.
Hassan’s journey from a refugee seeking asylum in Eindhoven, Netherlands, to becoming a global athletic icon is a testament to her discipline and determination.
Despite not having a permanent home, her focus on her career and ability to adapt to diverse environments have propelled her to remarkable achievements, including her incredible performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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13:00 - 16.11.2024
Usain Bolt poses challenge to Kishane Thompson and Oblique Seville on how to become the new Jamaican sprint GOATS
Usain Bolt has revealed how Kishane Thompson, Oblique Seville and other Jamaican sprinters can inherit his crown as the greatest sprinter of all time.
At the Games, Hassan competed in three grueling events—the 5,000m, 10,000m, and marathon—medaling in all of them. Her triumph in the marathon, just days after winning bronze in the 5,000m and 10,000m, solidified her status as one of the most tenacious athletes of her generation.
Hassan’s unconventional choice serves as a reminder of the sacrifices behind the glory of elite sports. Her lifestyle may lack permanence, but her commitment to her craft and her legacy as a runner continue to inspire athletes and fans worldwide.
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