Ethiopian marathoner Tamirat Tola made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics, securing Ethiopia’s sole gold medal with a stunning performance in the men’s marathon. Despite being called up just two weeks before the race as a last-minute replacement for Sisay Lemma, Tola delivered a masterclass in endurance and strategy, clinching victory in a record-breaking time of 2:06:26.
The 33-year-old overcame Paris’s notoriously challenging marathon course, which featured steep hills and grueling descents, to set a new Olympic record. The win marked Tola’s second major marathon triumph, adding to his 2022 World Athletics Championships gold.
Tola’s journey to this achievement wasn’t easy. His preparation included months of training alongside some of Ethiopia’s top athletes, including Kenenisa Bekele. When the opportunity arose to compete, Tola seized it, pushing past the physical and mental hurdles of the course to triumph against a field of elite runners, including marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge.
By crossing the finish line first, Tola became the fourth Ethiopian to win the Olympic marathon, joining legends like Abebe Bikila and Gezahegne Abera. His victory not only ended Ethiopia’s 24-year drought in the men’s Olympic marathon but also brought immense pride and joy to his nation.
With this historic achievement, Tamirat Tola cemented his place among the greats of marathon running and delivered a moment of glory that will inspire generations to come.
