Sifan Hassan Withdraws from the London Marathon Due to Achilles Injury
Olympic champion Sifan Hassan has officially announced her withdrawal from the upcoming London Marathon scheduled for next month, citing an Achilles injury. This decision was revealed by the event organizers on Monday, marking a significant moment for the Dutch athlete who clinched gold in the same distance during the 2024 Paris Games.
Hassan, originally from Ethiopia, made headlines by winning both the 5000m and 10000m events at the Tokyo Olympics. In expressing her disappointment over the London Marathon withdrawal, she noted that it was a difficult choice for her to make. “To compete at that level, you need to be in perfect condition,” remarked the 33-year-old, who achieved victory in the London Marathon last year, in 2023.
She elaborated on her situation by indicating that after sustaining the injury during treadmill training, she initially hoped it would heal quickly. However, as her training progressed, it became evident that she was not able to meet her own performance standards. “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,” she explained.
The 2026 edition of the London Marathon is set to take place on April 26, and Hassan’s absence will surely be felt in a race where she was expected to perform at an elite level.
