Sifan Hassan Wins Gold in 5,000m After 10,000m Bronze

Sifan Hassan achieved a historic feat at the Olympics, becoming the first woman and the first athlete since Emil Zatopek in 1952 to win medals in the 5,000m, 10,000m, and marathon events. Just 36 hours after securing bronze in the 10,000m, Hassan sprinted past Ethiopian world record holder Tigst Assefa to clinch gold in the women’s marathon, delivering a stunning performance that left her in disbelief. “I feel like I am dreaming,” she expressed after the race. Hassan's remarkable journey included a hat-trick of medals at the Tokyo Olympics, where she won gold in both the 5,000m and 10,000m, alongside a bronze in the 1,500m. This time, she focused on three individual golds across two Olympic Games, showcasing her versatility and endurance. Despite the challenges of competing in multiple events, Hassan's strategic pacing allowed her to excel, moving from 42nd place at the 5km mark to a top finish in the latter half of the marathon. The achievement of winning medals in all three events was once deemed impossible in modern athletics, but Hassan has shattered those expectations within just over five days of competition. Her performance has drawn comparisons to Zatopek, who accomplished a similar feat in the early 1950s. Hassan's journey to the Olympics was also marked by a last-minute call-up, highlighting her determination and pride in representing her country on such a prestigious stage.