Sifan Hassan has pulled out of the upcoming London Marathon after an Achilles injury disrupted her preparations, dealing a major blow to one of the event’s most anticipated appearances.
The Olympic champion, who etched her name into history with a record-breaking marathon gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, sustained the injury during a treadmill training session around six weeks ago. Despite initial optimism about a possible recovery, she has now chosen to step back, prioritising long-term fitness over immediate competition.
Hassan, who triumphed at the 2023 London Marathon, had been aiming to return and challenge for another title. However, as her training progressed, it became increasingly clear that she would not be able to compete at her usual elite standard.
Acknowledging the difficult decision, the 33-year-old emphasised the importance of being in peak condition to perform at the highest level. With the injury failing to settle as hoped, she has decided to focus fully on recovery rather than risk further setbacks.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest distance runners of her generation, Hassan’s achievements span track and road alike. She made history at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by winning gold in both the 5,000m and 10,000m, before adding marathon gold in Paris to complete a remarkable triple across distances—an unprecedented feat in women’s athletics.
Her absence leaves a significant gap in the London Marathon field, removing one of its biggest stars and a proven champion on the course. The race, scheduled for April 26, will now unfold without one of its most compelling contenders, while Hassan turns her attention to recovery and future targets.
For an athlete defined by endurance and ambition, this pause may be temporary—but it underscores the fine margins at the top level, where even the greatest must sometimes step back in order to move forward again.
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