By Paris, France – Ethiopian runner Tamirat Tola delivered a stunning performance on Saturday, winning the men’s marathon at the Paris Olympics and ending Kenya’s long-standing dominance in the event. Tola crossed the finish line in an Olympic record time of 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 26 seconds, making history on the iconic streets of Paris.
Tola’s victory came after a hard-fought race where he managed to outpace his competitors in the final stretch. Belgium’s Bashir Abdi secured the silver medal, finishing 21 seconds behind Tola, while Kenya’s Benson Kipruto took the bronze, 34 seconds back. The 32-year-old Tola maintained a strong lead as he approached the finish line, even taking a moment to look back and savor the applause from the crowd.
Tola’s journey to the Olympic gold was unexpected. Just two weeks before the race, he was called up to replace his injured teammate, Sisay Lemma, in the Ethiopian marathon squad.
Despite being the reserve, Tola was fully prepared to seize the opportunity. “I was the reserve in the Ethiopian team, but when Sisay had injuries then I had a chance,” Tola explained after the race. “I was fully prepared and knew I could fulfill my dream. I am very proud, very happy.”
This gold medal marks Tola’s second Olympic medal, his first coming in the 10,000 meters at the 2016 Rio Games, where he earned a bronze. Since transitioning from track to marathon running, Tola has achieved significant success, including breaking a 12-year course record in last year’s New York Marathon.
“After I came from track, I achieved a lot in marathon,” Tola reflected, acknowledging the evolution of his career and his growing legacy in long-distance running.
Tola’s victory not only adds to Ethiopia’s rich history in marathon running but also signals a shift in the balance of power in East African athletics, traditionally dominated by Kenya. His record-breaking performance at the Paris Olympics will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the Games.
time.com
