On the 15th day of the 2024 Olympic Games, currently being held in Paris, Ethiopia celebrated its first gold medal victory.
The Games, which occur every four years, have drawn over 10,500 athletes from 206 countries, making it one of the largest and most competitive events in the world.
In the men’s marathon, held this morning, Ethiopian athlete Tamrat Tola claimed victory with an impressive time of 2:06:26, setting a new Olympic record in the process.
Beshir Abdi of Belgium secured the silver medal, while Kenya’s Benson Kipruto took the bronze.
Following his historic win, an emotional Tamrat Tola expressed his pride and joy in securing the gold medal for Ethiopia, saying, “I am very happy to have won the competition and won the gold medal for my country, Ethiopia.” Tears accompanied his heartfelt statement.
Tamrat Tola’s victory not only earned him an Olympic gold medal but also established him as the new Olympic record holder in the men’s marathon.
In contrast, fellow Ethiopian athlete Kenenisa Bekele, a seasoned marathon runner, finished in 39th place, while another Ethiopian competitor, Deresa Ghaleta, placed 5th.
Kenenisa Bekele, a 42-year-old veteran athlete, acknowledged the difficulty of the Paris Olympic marathon course, stating, “The 2024 Paris Olympics men’s marathon was very difficult. I felt something in my legs during the race.”
Reflecting on his career, Bekele remarked that his chances of securing an Olympic marathon medal might have been better during the Rio 2016 or Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Nevertheless, his participation in Paris was a testament to his enduring passion for the sport.
Tamrat Tola’s gold medal in Paris marks Ethiopia’s first gold of these Olympic Games, significantly improving the country’s ranking from 68th to 44th on the medal table.
This victory also adds to Tola’s impressive resume, as he previously won the marathon at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon.
Moreover, this achievement represents his second Olympic medal, having earned a bronze in the 10,000 meters at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
It’s worth noting that Tamrat Tola initially entered the Paris Olympics as a standby athlete, stepping in after his compatriot, Sisay Lema, was forced to withdraw due to injury.
Tamrat Tola’s victory in Paris is especially significant as it ends a 24-year drought for Ethiopia in the Olympic men’s marathon.
The last Ethiopian to win gold in this event was Gezahegn Abera at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Ethiopia has a proud history in Olympic marathon running, with legendary athletes such as Abebe Bikila, who won gold twice, Mamo Wolde, Gezahegn Abera, and now Tamrat Tola contributing to the nation’s legacy.
Ethiopia’s performance at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 was particularly memorable, with athletes Haile Gebrselassie, Million Wolde, Derartu Tulu, and Gezahegn Abera securing four gold medals.
