Paris Olympics 2024: Taking Inspiration From Tadesse Abraham, Marathoner Phil Sesemann Leaves Doctor Position After Securing Olympics Spot

Despite being 41, the Swiss track and field legend Tadesse Abraham didn’t feel out of energy while taking strides in the Barcelona Marathon this year. Eventually, his victory timing remained far above the Paris Olympics 2024, qualifying standard there. So with earning the victory, the former European champion bagged a prized berth in the Swiss track and field squad.

But, unknown to him, in Paris, Tadesse might find someone in the opponents who idolizes him. Moreover, the sprinter has given a fair amount of credit to Tadesse to keep him motivated en route to the Paris Olympics 2024. In a recent interview, Phil Sesemann acknowledged Tadesse Abraham’s motivational role for him. 

The motivational spree and change of mind lately 

British marathoner Phil Sesemann remained away from the limelight most of the time. But the devoted sprinter’s affection for track and field did not change because of that reason. So when asked about his dedication to the sport, the 31-year-old is ready to start on his sprinting voyage in a new shape, and for it, he is ready to give up his medical profession. That urge has fueled him after he achieved a Paris Olympics 2024 berth in the Seville Marathon in February. But is it possible to go on with the sporting dream, leaving a lucrative profession? 

According to Sesemann, it is possible. “I’m really enjoying my marathon running and I see guys I’ve raced against such as Tadesse Abraham, who ran 2:05:10 last year aged 41, and I think: ‘Why can’t I give this another 10 years of competing?’ I’m doing a bit of coaching and really enjoying that, too,” he responded as the active cause. So, with coach Andy Henderson backing, Phil Sesemann is ready to roll in the French capital. In the meantime, his past flare might help him as well to remain on the path. 

The Road to the Paris Olympics 2024 

Despite the British athlete earning her Paris ticket from the Seville Marathon, his past performances are hard to ignore. In his debut in the London Marathon in 2021, the doctor-turned-sprinter finished the race in 2:12:58. The achievement was unparalleled among the British sprinters in the contest. Moreover, in the same venue, he kept lurking around the sub-2:10 category on multiple occasions. But Phil Sesemann needed to shave 2 minutes from the timing. 

Ultimately, his resilience landed him near the Olympic qualifying time in Valencia last year. Since then, there has been no turning back. Soon he kept one mantra murmuring in his head- “I wanted to get ahead of the other British guys”. In the end, that paid him well. Now, Phil Sesemann is eyeing locking the horn against his idol in Paris. 

Read more: Road to Paris 2024: Legendary Coach Returns to Lead USATF on the Path to Olympic Glory