Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola won the men’s marathon in Paris with a new Olympic record time, while Team GB’s Emile Cairess finished in fourth place.
Tola raced to victory with a time of 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 26 seconds, breaking the previous Olympic record by six seconds. Belgium’s Bashir Abdi came in second with a time of 2:06:47, improving on his bronze medal from Tokyo 2021. Kenya’s Benson Kipruto finished third with a time of 2:07:00.
Emile Cairess from Team GB was in second place at the 30km mark but fell to sixth before finishing strong and moving up to fourth place with a time of 2:07:29.
Tamirat Tola Sets Olympic Marathon Record; Cairess Finishes Fourth as Kipchoge Withdraws
“It was a good race,” said Cairess. “I tried to pace myself, stay calm, and finish strong. I wanted to give it my all and have no regrets.”
There was disappointment for Eliud Kipchoge, who couldn’t finish the race. The two-time defending champion from Kenya, who was aiming to become the first to win three Olympic marathons, withdrew with just over 10km left.
Cairess’ British teammates, Phil Sesemann and Mahamed Mahamed, finished 46th and 57th, respectively.
Tola, the 2022 world champion, only joined the marathon two weeks ago after his Ethiopian teammate Sisay Lemma got injured. Tola took the lead halfway through the race and continued to pull ahead.
“I’m really happy because I achieved my goal,” Tola said. “I trained hard and was fully prepared. When Sisay got injured, I got the chance to compete, and I’m thrilled to have fulfilled my dream today.”
What a podium 🤯
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) August 10, 2024
🥇 Tamirat Tola 2:06:26 OR🇪🇹
🥈 Bashir Abdi 2:06:47🇧🇪
🥉 Benson Kipruto 2:07:00 🇰🇪 #Paris2024 #Olympics pic.twitter.com/bYn0tYNZ0C
FAQs :
Who won the gold medal in the men’s marathon at Paris 2024?
Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia won the gold medal with a new Olympic record time of 2:06:26.
What is significant about Tamirat Tola’s victory?
Tola set a new Olympic record and became the fourth Ethiopian to win the men’s marathon at the Olympics.
Why did Tamirat tola enter the marathon as a substitute?
Tola replaced his injured Ethiopian teammate Sisay Lemma, who could not compete.
What was Tola’s reaction to his victory?
Tola expressed his happiness and pride, saying he was fully prepared and thrilled to have fulfilled his dream.
Who finished second and third in the marathon?
Bashir Abdi of Belgium finished second with a time of 2:06:47, and Kenya’s Benson Kipruto claimed third place with a time of 2:07:00.
What did Benson Kipruto dedicate his achievement to?
Kipruto dedicated his bronze medal to his late countryman Kelvin Kiptum, the marathon world record holder who died in a car accident earlier this year.
What was the route of the marathon?
The marathon route started at Hôtel de Ville and passed by landmarks such as the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles before finishing at the Invalides monument.
What challenges did the marathon course present to the runners?
The course included a challenging climb and a steep descent, testing the runners’ endurance and strategy.
How did Eliud Kipchoge perform in the race?
Eliud Kipchoge, the two-time defending champion aiming for a third Olympic marathon gold, struggled and ultimately did not finish the race
What event will follow the Olympic marathon in Paris?
The Marathon Pour Tous, where amateur runners will take the same course as the Olympians, is scheduled for later in the evening.
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