PARIS – In a race defined by brutal heat, humidity, and a punishingly hilly course, Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola emerged victorious in the men’s marathon, setting an Olympic record with a time of 2:06:26. Tola, who was a late addition to the Ethiopian team, led a fierce competition to secure his place among the greats in Olympic history.
A Race of Resilience and Strategy
The marathon, held on a course notorious for its challenging hills, tested the endurance and strategy of every participant. Tola, the 2022 world champion, executed a masterful race, staying in touch with the lead pack before making his decisive move just after the 20-kilometer mark. His victory adds him to a prestigious list of Ethiopian marathon champions, including legends like Abebe Bikila and Mamo Wolde.
Belgium’s Bashir Abdi claimed the silver medal with a time of 2:06:47, while Kenya’s Benson Kipruto, the fastest marathoner this year, took bronze, finishing in 2:07:00. Kipruto’s compatriot, the legendary Eliud Kipchoge, who was aiming for a third consecutive Olympic title, did not finish the race, marking a surprising and disappointing end to his Olympic journey.
A Marathon for the Ages
The course, which wound through the streets of Paris and finished in front of the historic Les Invalides, was lined with enthusiastic crowds, despite the intense conditions. The final stretch saw Tola power through, leaving behind a straggling line of competitors, each battling the relentless hills and the searing heat.
Britain’s Emile Cairess, making his Olympic debut, finished just off the podium in fourth place with a time of 2:07:29, narrowly edging out Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta, who finished fifth in 2:07:31. Japan’s Akira Akasaki also recorded a personal best, finishing sixth in 2:07:32.
Reflections on a Hard-Fought Victory
Tola’s win, coming as Ethiopia’s first gold medal of these Games, was particularly sweet given his late entry into the race. “I am happy today because I fulfilled my goal,” Tola said. “I was the reserve in the Ethiopian team, but when Sisay [Lemma] had injuries, then I had a chance to represent him. I was fully prepared and knew I could fulfill my dream. I am happy to do that today.”
Abdi, who had recently recovered from a stress fracture of the hip, spoke about the difficulty of the race. “The course was very tough today… The weather was hot, [the terrain featured] a lot of ups and downs… This is the hardest marathon course I’ve ever run.”
Kipruto echoed these sentiments, highlighting the mental and physical challenges posed by the race. “The course was tough but I’m happy with the result I posted. Running uphill and downhill was not easy… This was the hardest marathon I have run, and a different experience because it was my first Olympic Games.”
A Historic Finish
Tola’s decisive move came during the most grueling part of the course, a steep climb from 27.5km to 29km with a 16% incline. His ability to accelerate after cresting the hill left his competitors struggling in his wake, solidifying his place at the top of the podium.
As the race concluded in the shadow of Les Invalides, a site historically associated with soldiers and resilience, it was clear that every runner who completed this marathon had fought a battle of their own. Tola’s victory, marked by both strategic brilliance and sheer endurance, will be remembered as one of the great performances in Olympic marathon history.
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