This is a release from Global Sports Communications on their iconic athlete, Sifan Hassan, who won the World Athletics AOY in 2024! Sifan took bronze in the 5,000m and 10,000m and then won the Olympic marathon in a wild sprint against the WR holder and the Boston and NYC Marathon winner!
Sifan Hassan dedicates her World Athlete of the Year award to young girls with big dreams, by Laurent Dieste
On 1 December 2024, Global Sports Communication athlete Sifan Hassan was named World Athlete of the Year by World Athletics, earning top honors in the Out of Stadium and overall categories during the final voting round.
“I am so honored,” Hassan said upon receiving the award. “Being named World Athlete of the Year among such incredible athletes, especially in an Olympic year, means the world to me.”
This prestigious accolade caps a year defined by boldness and determination. Hassan captured the world’s attention at the Paris Olympics with her remarkable performances, winning bronze medals in the 5000m and 10,000m and, finally, gold in the marathon, setting an Olympic record time of 2:22:25. By competing in three different events, she took on an extraordinary challenge and inspired millions around the globe.
“Since I was young, I watched marathon runners with admiration, wondering if I could ever run like them or even finish a marathon,” she shared. “This year, my curiosity drove me to take a risk and compete in three distances at the Paris Olympics. It was terrifying, but that made every finish line even more meaningful. It wasn’t perfect, but sometimes happiness comes from embracing imperfections. I’m so grateful that this journey is being recognized and celebrated.”
This award is more than a personal milestone for Hassan—it’s a message of encouragement to the next generation of athletes.
“This award isn’t just for me, my team, or my family. It’s for every young girl out there, watching, dreaming, and believing she can achieve greatness through sport. To all of you, I want to say: keep exercising, keep training, keep pushing, keep believing, and always remember that no dream is too big.”
Here’s an interview we did for RunBlogRun recently, on Sifan Hassan:
Sifan Hassan, the RunBlogRun Interview, Speaks on her running, her experiences, and her recent Olympic medals, by Larry Eder
