Hassan made historical past as soon as once more, turning into the primary lady ever to win not one — however two — bronze medals within the 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter races earlier than profitable gold within the marathon on the Olympic Video games Paris 2024
In the case of long-distance operating, Sifan Hassan has already cemented her place within the historical past books. However her story is about a lot greater than an awe-inspiring assortment of medals and world data. Unimaginable grit, openness and dedication led her to the place she is at present.
Hassan has been chasing challenges her entire life. On the Olympic Video games Tokyo 2020, she fell in the course of the ladies’s 1,500-meter race and but went on to qualify for the semi-finals. She was nearly hit by a bike whereas grabbing water on the 2023 London Marathon however went on to win gold at her first aggressive marathon ever. The Olympic Video games Paris 2024 was no exception. Hassan set the extraordinarily bold objective of competing in three consecutive long-distance races over the span of 1 week.
▲ Sifan Hassan of Group Netherlands competes within the ladies’s marathon. (Picture by Michael Steele / Getty Photos)
Samsung Newsroom caught up with Hassan shortly after her epic efficiency in Paris to be taught extra about her Olympic expertise and discover out what drives her.
▲ Sifan Hassan
Q. Competing in three long-distance occasions at the Olympic Video games Paris 2024 was an bold alternative — however ambition appears to be your trademark. What motivates you to tackle these seemingly inconceivable challenges?
I’m a curious individual, and I get tired of routines. Coaching for one thing I had already accomplished in Tokyo felt repetitive. I wished to attempt one thing new that nobody else or just a few others had accomplished earlier than. It appeared onerous, however I wished to see simply how onerous it was. That’s what motivated me!
Q. How did you begin getting ready to compete in all three occasions? Did you develop a singular technique to deal with every one?
I at all times attempt to be a whole athlete and practice for various distances. The marathon was in all probability an important occasion to me on the Olympic Video games, so I centered loads on it. However I gave the opposite distances the identical dedication to be prepared for something.
Q. How did expertise help your journey to the Olympic Video games Paris 2024? Had been there any particular instruments or gadgets that made a distinction in your coaching or efficiency?
I’m usually away from my household and buddies for altitude coaching and races, so having the ability to video name them once I need utilizing my Galaxy S24 Extremely is essential. I additionally personal a Galaxy wearable machine related my smartphone which is so light-weight that I overlook I’ve it on when operating. The machine shares insights to assist me know and hearken to my physique higher — particularly in terms of sleep, a vital a part of my coaching.
Q. You took the lead within the ultimate dash and set a brand new Olympic Video games report. How did you really feel?
To be sincere, it felt like a firework went off in my head. I stayed centered all the best way to the end line, even as much as the final 10 meters, as a result of I used to be afraid of falling. In a marathon, you by no means know what can occur. It was simply pure happiness once I crossed the end line.
Q. You competed within the marathon simply 35 hours after profitable the bronze medal within the 10,000–meter race. How did you handle to relaxation and get well in such a brief quantity of time?
I knew sleep and vitamin have been going to be key from the beginning — not simply in between the ten,000-meter race and the marathon however all through your entire Olympic Video games. I attempted to steer clear of any distractions and obtained as a lot sleep as potential!
▲ (From left) Silver medalist Beatrice Chebet of Group Kenya, gold medalist Religion Kipyegon of Group Kenya and bronze medalist Sifan Hassan of Group Netherlands pose for a Victory Selfie after the ladies’s 5,000-meter ultimate. (Picture by Andy Astfalck / BSR Company / Getty Photos)
Q. It was the primary time the ladies’s marathon medal ceremony was held on the closing ceremony. How did that really feel?
To suppose that thousands and thousands of individuals have been watching felt very particular. It was good to have my fellow Dutch athletes proper subsequent to me on the course, cheering me on.
Q. Within the Voices of Galaxy video, you talked about the significance of sustaining a powerful mindset as an Olympic athlete. What are some methods you keep centered and optimistic?
I at all times attempt to be thankful for the whole lot I’ve achieved. Earlier than the Olympic Video games, I used to be already grateful simply to have certified for various occasions and to have the ability to compete. You possibly can’t take the whole lot as a right and easily transfer on from achievements you’ve labored onerous for. It’s essential to acknowledge how far you’ve come and recognize the progress.
▲ Sifan Hassan of Group Netherlands celebrates after profitable the ladies’s marathon. (Picture by Cameron Spencer / Getty Photos)
Q. You accomplished the marathon on the Olympic Video games Paris 2024 in 2 hours, 22 minutes and 55 seconds. Whereas that is an extremely quick time, operating for that lengthy nonetheless requires immense psychological endurance. What went by your thoughts in the course of the run?
Racing is probably the most thrilling half! I simply centered on staying with the lead pack for so long as potential.
Q. Do you could have a message on your fellow Team Samsung Galaxy members who’re competing on the Paralympic Video games Paris 2024?
I’m so impressed by the athletes. They know higher than anybody else that the human thoughts is unbelievably highly effective. I want them the very best!
Q. What problem are you taking over subsequent?
It’s a tricky query to reply. The Olympic Video games are clearly the very best level in our sport, so this was the large objective. I plan to take a while to understand the whole lot I’ve accomplished to get right here and punctiliously consider subsequent steps as I return to coaching!
Q. What’s your message to the following era who appears as much as you and is impressed by your achievements and drive?
Sports activities are so essential. They make you more healthy, assist you to reside longer and encourage you to set targets in all areas of your life. Please train and attempt to encourage the folks round you to do the identical!
