Tola Tamirat of Ethiopia delivered a remarkable performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, winning the marathon gold on Saturday, August 10, with a new Olympic record of 2:06:26. Tola, who initially joined the race as a substitute for injured teammate Sisay Lemma, seized the opportunity to fulfill his dream. “I was fully prepared and knew I could fulfill my dream. I am very proud, very happy,” Tola said, becoming the fourth Ethiopian to win the men’s marathon at the Olympics.
Belgium’s Bashir Abdi, who won bronze at Tokyo 2020, improved to silver in Paris, finishing just 21 seconds behind Tola with a time of 2:06:47. Kenya’s Benson Kipruto claimed the bronze with a time of 2:07:00. Kipruto dedicated his achievement to his late countryman Kelvin Kiptum, the marathon world record holder who tragically passed away earlier this year.
The marathon’s course was as challenging as it was iconic, starting at the historic Hôtel de Ville and passing landmarks like the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles before finishing at the Invalides monument. Tola made his move after 35 kilometers, strategically breaking away to secure his victory.
The day also saw a surprising turn as Kenyan legend Eliud Kipchoge, aiming to become the first man to win three Olympic marathons, struggled early and ultimately did not finish the race. Later, the Marathon Pour Tous will allow amateur runners to experience the same course.
