Sifan Hassan Forced to Withdraw from London Marathon Following Treadmill Injury
Olympic champion Sifan Hassan has announced her withdrawal from next month's London Marathon due to an Achilles injury sustained during a treadmill training session. The Dutch long-distance runner, renowned for her historic double gold in the 5,000m and 10,000m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and her marathon victory at Paris 2024, suffered the setback approximately six weeks ago.
Injury Details and Recovery Focus
Hassan, who was born in Ethiopia and clinched the London Marathon title in 2023, revealed that the injury occurred while she was training on her treadmill. Despite initial hopes for a swift recovery, the Achilles issue persisted, ultimately preventing her from reaching the peak condition required for elite competition. "To compete at that level, you need to be in perfect condition," Hassan stated. "After the incident, I hoped the injury would settle, but as training progressed it became clear that I wasn't able to prepare at the level I expect from myself."
She emphasized the importance of heeding her body's signals, adding, "I have to listen to my body and focus on recovering properly." In a social media post on Instagram, Hassan expressed her disappointment, saying, "No London Marathon for me. I am disappointed because this race means so much to me but right now my Achilles is holding me back and I'm not ready to be at my best. I wish everyone racing an amazing day out there!"
Impact on the 2026 London Marathon
The 2026 edition of the London Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 26 April. Hassan's absence marks a significant blow to the event, as she is a former winner and a top contender in the women's field. Her withdrawal underscores the unpredictable nature of athletic injuries, particularly those stemming from training mishaps. Fans and organisers alike will miss her participation, but Hassan remains committed to a full recovery before returning to competitive racing.
