Sifan Hassan has been named the best Dutch athlete of 2024. The Olympian received the award during the Athletics Federation’s gala in Amersfoort.This marked the fourth time the Ethiopian-born long-distance runner has won the award, having previously claimed it in 2018, 2019, and 2021. Hassan edged out Femke Bol and para-athlete Joël de Jong, who were also shortlisted for the honor.##NAJAVA_MECA_8507720##Hassan’s victory follows her historic performance at the Paris Olympics, where she became the first woman to compete in the 5,000m, 10,000m, and marathon at a single Games.She won bronze in both track events before claiming gold in the marathon, just a day after the 10,000m final. Her remarkable sprint finish in the marathon saw her defeat Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa in the final meters of the 42.195-kilometer race.Beyond this accolade, Hassan is also in contention for the global Athlete of the Year award, where she is among five nominees. Her selection as the best Dutch athlete was determined by public votes and a professional jury, with Bol as her closest competitor.Kipkemoi opens up on tactics of winning Mozzart Bet Chemususu Dam Half MarathonFemke Bol also had an extraordinary season, highlighted by her performances at the Olympics.She led the Netherlands to gold in the 4x400m mixed relay with a stunning anchor leg and won silver in the women’s 4x400m relay. Bol also earned a bronze medal in the 400m hurdles and broke the 400m world record (49.17) earlier in the year. She capped her season with a Diamond League victory, solidifying her reputation as one of the top athletes in track and field.The gala also recognized rising talent, with Niels Laros receiving the Dafne Schippers Talent Award. The 19-year-old from Oosterhout finished sixth in the 1500m at the Olympics, setting a European U20 record of 3:29.54. Having already been named European Talent of the Year, Laros is now in the running for the World Talent Award.Coach Tim Rowberry explains how Eliud Kipchoge’s advice helped Sifan Hassan pull off her 2024 Olympic triple
