Ethiopian Athlete Shatters Olympic Record, Wins Gold at Paris 2024
Paris, August 2024 – Ethiopia has once again proven its dominance in long-distance running as Tamitat Tola, an exceptional marathoner, clinched the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The remarkable victory came with a new Olympic record time of 2:06:26, breaking the previous record held by Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge.
The grueling race, which took place against the scenic backdrop of Paris, saw intense competition from the world’s best marathoners. However, Kenenisa Bekele’s endurance, tactical brilliance, and unwavering determination propelled them to the top, leaving their competitors trailing behind in the final kilometers.
A key moment in the race was the seamless teamwork between Tamitat Tola and his fellow Ethiopian runners, particularly Kenenisa Bekele, who played a crucial role in pacing and strategy throughout the early and middle stages of the race. Bekele’s experience and selfless dedication were evident as he set a steady pace, allowing Tola to conserve energy for a powerful finish. This teamwork was a testament to Ethiopia’s rich tradition of producing world-class marathoners who support one another in the pursuit of glory.
Ethiopia’s Rich Olympic Legacy
Ethiopia’s legacy in marathon running is nothing short of legendary. It began with Abebe Bikila, who won gold in the 1960 Rome Olympics while running barefoot. Bikila followed up with another gold in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, cementing his status as a pioneer in long-distance running.
The tradition was carried forward by Mamo Wolde, who won gold in the marathon at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics and silver at the 1972 Munich Olympics. These early victories laid the foundation for Ethiopia’s dominance in the sport.
In more recent times, athletes like Haile Gebrselassie and Kenenisa Bekele have continued to raise the bar. Gebrselassie, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 10,000 meters (1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney), also set numerous world records during his career. Bekele, one of the greatest distance runners of all time, won gold in both the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and a bronze in the 10,000 meters at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Today’s victory by Tamitat Tola at the Paris 2024 Olympics is not just a continuation of this proud history, but also a powerful reminder of Ethiopia’s enduring presence in the world of long-distance running. Their achievement is a source of immense pride for the nation and a beacon of inspiration for future generations of Ethiopian athletes.
