Dutch marathon legend locked in for Aussie debut
Sifan Hassan, one of the greatest female distance runners of all time, has locked in the Sydney Marathon as her first race on Australian soil.
August 31 will mark Sydney's first race as a World Marathon Major, with the city joining London, Chicago, Berlin, Tokyo, Boston and New York in the elite bracket.
Dutch dynamo Hassan has joined two-time gold medallist Eliud Kipchoge in committing to the event.
Hassan won the women's marathon at the 2024 Olympics, memorably sprinting to the victory line after collecting 10,000m and 5000m bronze medals in Paris.
At the Tokyo Games, Hassan won two gold medals (10,000m and 5000m) and finished third in the 1500m.
The 32-year-old is yet to compete in Australia.
"Running has given me so much, not just as an athlete, but as a person. It has been a way to connect with people," Hassan said in a statement.
"To tell my story, and to show that no matter where you come from, you can achieve something meaningful.
"I'm honoured to bring that message to Sydney and to be part of an event that celebrates strength, community and possibility."
Australian Athletics president Jane Flemming described Hassan's visit as "not only a coup for the event but a truly special moment for our sporting community".
"To see an athlete of her calibre, a global champion and cultural role model, racing on Australian soil is something we don't take for granted," Flemming said.
"It's an opportunity to inspire the next generation, particularly young women, to dream big and chase the impossible."
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