Track and field has given a lot of stories of athletes from different countries. Everyone has their own sets of struggles, achievements, and everything. But this track and field star is different; she is a refugee and left her country when she was only 15. She has achieved big milestones in her track and field career, including three medals in the 2024 Paris Olympics in short and long distance. Now, she has been awarded the title of Women’s World Athlete of the Year by World Athletics. Any guesses about who we are referring to here?

Sifan Hassan left her home country, Ethiopia, and moved to the Netherlands in 2008 at the age of fifteen. The middle-distance runner entered the Eindhoven half marathon in 2011 and ran her debut marathon (77:10 minutes). For her achievements on track, she has been honored with a prestigious award in two categories. But more than that, her message to the world is a point of talk.

Sifan Hassan dedicated her award to every young girl

World Athletics announced the award a few days back, but the award ceremony was conducted on December 1 in Monaco. Olympic medalist Sifan Hassan has been honored as Women’s World Athlete of the Year 2024, along with the ‘Out of Stadium’ award. The 31-year-old international icon, nevertheless, wasn’t sure she would win the award surpassing top athletes.

When the award was handed over to her, she was asked to say something. In her thank you speech, Hassan started, “I am so honored.” Further added, “Being named World Athlete of the Year among such incredible athletes, especially in an Olympic year, means the world to me.” The prestigious accolade is given for her determination and boldness throughout the year. She won bronze medals in the 5000 m and 10,000 m and won gold in the marathon with a record time of 2:22:25 at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

She also shared her life journey and how she started loving marathons. Hassan stated, “Since I was young, I watched marathon runners with admiration, wondering if I could ever run like them or even finish a marathon.” She continued and said, “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.”

The Dutch national dedicated her award to her team and all the young girls, as she mentioned in her speech. She said, “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.” Being a refugee, Hassan hadn’t even thought to come this far.

Who would have thought a refugee would come this far?

Sifan Hassan is an Ethiopian by birth; she was born in Adama, Oromia, Ethiopia, in 1993. Later in 2008, when she was just 15, she left her home country as a refugee and came to the Netherlands. Her journey of running started alongside her studies to become a nurse. Then, Hassan took up the Netherlands citizenship in 2013.

Though she ran her first marathon in 2011, her first breakthrough was in the 2013 season. She ran at the KBC Night of Athletics and recorded a best of 2:00.86 minutes in 800m, and since then she has never stopped. Sifan Hassan won many titles, recorded a personal best, and has three gold and three bronze medals in the Olympics. And now, the World Athletics of the Year award. She has really come a long way. As she inspires every girl out there, it is to be seen what her future holds for her.