Sport Correspondent
“I wanted to finish, no matter what, but today was not my day,” said Rutendo Nyahora, a 35-year-old Zimbabwean long-distance runner, after failing to complete the women’s marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“I tried, but it was hard for me to accept. I don’t know what happened – it just wasn’t my day.”
Nyahora, who has represented Zimbabwe in multiple international competitions, including the Rio 2016 Olympics and two World Championships, expressed her disappointment and frustration.
“I wanted to finish, even if I was going to finish last,” she said, before breaking down in tears.
In contrast, Dutch athlete Sifan Hassan made history by setting a new Olympic record with a finish time of 2:22:55.
“I feel like I am dreaming,” Hassan said after her victory.
“The marathon is something else… every single step is so hard and so painful.”
Meanwhile, Zimbabwean runner Isaac Mpofu secured a respectable 19th place finish in the men’s marathon, clocking in at 2:10:09.
“I’m proud of my performance, but I know I can do better,” Mpofu said.
“The Paris course was challenging, but I’m already looking forward to my next competition.”
Mpofu’s finish was overshadowed by Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola, who claimed the gold medal with an impressive time of 2:06:26, setting a new Olympic record.
“I’m thrilled to have won gold,” Tola said. “The marathon is a tough event, but I was determined to push myself to the limit.”
Zim GBC News©2024