Tamirat Tola became first Ethiopian to win Olympic marathon

Runner Tamirat Tola became the first Ethiopian to win a men’s Olympic marathon race and gold medal since 2000. He not only became an Olympic gold medalist but also broke the record of two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge from Kenya.

He set an Olympic record by completing a marathon race of 18 miles with a time of 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 26 seconds. Bashir Abdi of Belgium came in second behind 21 seconds. However, Benson Kipruto of Kenya took third place 34 seconds behind.

ETHIOPIA on top ‼️

Tamirat Tola becomes the first Ethiopian to win the Olympic marathon since 2000.

He clocks an impressive 2:06:26 on the brutal @Paris2024 course 🤯#Paris2024 #Olympics pic.twitter.com/pBVsGGDKh0
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) August 10, 2024

When 32-year-old Tamirat turned back to see if he crossed the finish line while running the marathon, the crowd ensured his success by participating in louding cheers. He entered the Olympic marathon only two weeks ago to replace injured teammate Sisay Lemma.

Tamirat stated he was the team’s reserve for Ethiopia, but he got an opportunity to participate when Sisay got injured. He knew he could achieve his dream and he was ready. He is overjoyed and quite proud.

Ethiopian runner Tamirat Tola won a gold medal by quickly finishing the marathon line while a Belgium runner won a silver medal. Kenyan athlete Benson won the bronze medal by securing the third spot in the men’s marathon.

OLYMPIC RECORD

🇪🇹's Tamirat Tola breaks the Olympic marathon record with 2:06:26 on what might be the most brutal marathon course ever in the history of the Olympics.#Paris2024 #Olympics pic.twitter.com/vQ6oXyxiR3
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) August 10, 2024

Click here to read the updates on New Zealand accused Canada of spying in the 2024 Paris Olympics

However, it was the second Olympic medal of Tamirat. He won his first Olympic medal at the Rio 2016 Games by running 10,000 meters.

Tamirat also stated he accomplished a lot in the marathon after he left the track. It is significant to note that he also won the New York Marathon last year by breaking a 12-year course record.

Tamirat Tola became the first Ethiopian to win the Olympic marathon after Ethiopian marathon runner Abebe Bikila. Abebe won the marathon race consecutively in 1960 and 1964.