Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola Saturday won the men’s marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, securing the East African country’s first gold after a 24-year drought.
Tola finished breaking the Olympic marathon record time with 2 hours, 6 minutes and 26 seconds, with Belgium’s Bashir Abdi finishing 21 seconds behind and Benson Kipruto taking bronze for Kenya.
Tola’s victory is a historic moment for Ethiopia, as it marks the country’s return to the top of the Olympic marathon podium, a place it last held in 2000.
“In my life, this is my great achievement,” said Tola, who assured himself a privileged spot in Ethiopian culture with his win.
Government officials including President Sahel-Work Zewdie and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed delight and congratulations for Tola’s breathtaking performance.
“Tamrat, you have brought happiness and pride to our nation!! Today’s victory has a special meaning. May God bless you!!,” President Sahle-Work Zewdie said on X account.
“At the Paris 2024 Olympics, heroic athlete Tamirat Tola raised our flag once again by winning gold in the marathon,” Ahmed said in his congratulatory message published on his social media pages.
Tola’s success not only honours the legacy of his predecessors but also inspires a new generation of Ethiopian runners to aspire to greatness on the world stage.
MG/as/APA