Sifan Hassan withdraws from London Marathon due to Achilles injury
Olympic champion Sifan Hassan has withdrawn from April’s London Marathon after sustaining an Achilles injury during a treadmill training session.
The Dutch athlete, who claimed gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics in a Games record time, suffered the setback six weeks ago.
Despite hoping to recover in time for the prestigious race, she has now accepted defeat in her fitness battle.
“To compete at that level, you need to be in perfect condition,” said Hassan, who won the women’s race at the 2023 London Marathon.
Focus turns to full recovery
The 33-year-old explained that her preparations simply could not meet the elite standards she expects of herself.
“After the incident, I hoped the injury would settle, but as training progressed it became clear that I wasn’t able to prepare at the level I expect from myself.”
“I have to listen to my body and focus on recovering properly.”
A decorated Olympic legacy
The Ethiopia-born runner remains one of the most celebrated long-distance competitors in the history of the sport.
She secured spectacular gold medals in both the 5,000m and 10,000m events at the delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Following her marathon triumph in Paris, the formidable track star became the first woman ever to win Olympic titles across all three long-distance disciplines.
The next edition of the London Marathon will take place on Sunday, 26 April.
