TRAGEDY: Tamirat Tola, Ethiopian long-distance runner was involved in an automobile accident earlier today, was taken to the…
Two weeks ago, Tamirat Tola had no Paris 2024 Olympics plans.
His best shot at the Games was long gone, or so he thought.
And now, he can now proudly add Olympic champion to his resume.
The Ethiopian, a late replacement in the Olympic marathon team, on Saturday [10 August] clinched the men’s gold medal in difficult conditions that saw Eliud Kipchoge, the two-time gold medallist over that distance drop out of the race.
A huge career highlight for the marathoner who was added to the team after the Opening Ceremony.
The 32-year-old was hugely disappointed when the Ethiopian marathon team to the Olympics was confirmed last July.
His recent performance may have not convinced the selectors to consider him for his second Games, but he was always hopeful that his proven championship record could count for something.
