Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola claimed a dominant victory in the men’s marathon at the Paris Olympics, setting a new Olympic record with a time of 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 26 seconds.
Tola broke the previous record set by Kenya’s Samuel Wanjiru in 2008 by six seconds. Belgium’s Bashir Abdi finished second in 2:06:47, improving on his bronze from Tokyo 2021, while Kenya’s Benson Kipruto took third place with a time of 2:07:00.
Team GB’s Emile Cairess, who was in second place at the 30km mark, finished fourth in 2:07:29 after a strong final push. “I tried to pace myself, stay cool, and finish well. I gave 100% and have no regrets,” Cairess said.
In a surprising turn of events, two-time defending champion, Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya, who was aiming to become the first three-time Olympic marathon winner, was unable to finish the race, pulling out with just over 10km remaining.
Tola, a 2022 world champion, only joined the marathon two weeks before the race after his Ethiopian teammate, Sisay Lemma withdrew due to injury. Tola took the lead at the halfway point and gradually extended his advantage, securing what he described as the greatest achievement of his life.
“I was the reserve for the Ethiopian team, but when Sisay had injuries, I got my chance. I was fully prepared and knew I could fulfill my dream. I am happy to do that today,” Tola said.
