Sifan Hassan, the reigning Chicago Marathon champion, continues to broaden her athletic horizons as she prepares for her debut at the World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, on March 30.
The announcement, made by World Athletics, has stirred anticipation among fans and athletes alike. Hassan, known for her versatility across countless events and terrains, is gearing up for this significant global event ahead of the Paris Olympic Games, where it is still unknown which events she will target.
Hold up 👀@SifanHassan is heading to Belgrade in three weeks to make her #WorldCrossCountry debut on 30 March 2024 🙌 pic.twitter.com/brIl66xkL5
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) March 9, 2024
The decision to compete in the World Cross Country Championships marks a new milestone for Hassan, who has already made history on both the track and roads. Despite her illustrious career, Hassan has yet to test her mettle in the demanding terrain of cross-country racing at the world championship level.
Hassan last tested herself on a cross-country course in 2015 at the European Cross Country Championships, which she also competed in in 2013.
Hassan’s recent performances have showcased her adaptability and versatility, with victories on both the track and in the marathon.
Her remarkable journey includes a dramatic win at the London Marathon, where she won despite some unusual challenges, including stopping mid-race to stretch and fasting before the race.
A few months later, Hassan was victorious at the Chicago Marathon, running the second-fastest women’s time in history.
Notably, her recent fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Marathon, despite missing a crucial water bottle at the 25km mark and therefore turning around, highlights her resilience and potential on the roads.
The 31-year-old athlete, originally from Ethiopia and now representing the Netherlands, boasts an impressive array of accolades, including two Olympic gold medals and multiple medals at world championships across various distances.
Hassan’s versatility is evident in her ability to excel from 800 meters to the marathon, setting records and clinching titles in nearly every distance along the way.
The World Cross Country Championships draw top-tier athletes from around the globe. Belgrade, with its rich history of hosting regional and international events, provides a fitting backdrop for this prestigious competition.
Previous events hosted in Belgrade include the European Cross Country Championships, European Indoor Championships, and World Indoor Championships.
As the countdown to the World Cross Country Championships begins, all eyes are on Sifan Hassan as she prepares to navigate the challenging course in Belgrade.
With her track record of success and adaptability, Hassan is poised to make a compelling debut on the world stage in cross-country racing, adding another element to her remarkable career.
