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The Hindu
The Hindu
Sport
Agencies

Sifan Hassan, Emil Zatopek and the power of ‘crazy’

Sifan Hassan Alberto Salazar Olympics Paris Gold
Long-distance marvel: Hassan raised eyebrows when she announced she would compete in the 1500m, 5000m and 10,000m at the Tokyo Olympics. She won the 5000m and 10,000m titles and secured bronze in the 1500m. | Photo credit: Getty Images
Chasing history: Emil Zatopek was on Sifan Hassan’s mind after her London Marathon triumph. She told her camp that no one had won the 5000m, 10,000m and marathon at an Olympics since the immortal Czech, suggesting a seed had been planted in her head for Paris 2024. | Photo credit: Getty Images

When Sifan Hassan decided to race the 1500m, 5000m and 10,000m at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, she knew of the bewilderment she was causing among fans and other athletes. “Many people say I’m crazy,” she said. “Believe me, I think I’m crazy too.”

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