Abdi Nageeye’s triumph at the 2024 New York City Marathon is a story of resilience, grit, and redemption. The 35-year-old Dutch runner claimed his first marathon major title in the Big Apple, crossing the finish line in a spectacular 2:07:39.
This victory didn’t just earn him a place in marathon history as the first Dutch champion to win the New York City Marathon; it also signified his comeback after a heartbreaking exit from the Paris Olympics earlier this year.
Nageeye’s powerful final-mile kick inside Central Park was the defining moment of the race, enabling him to edge past 2022 champion Evans Chebet, who finished just six seconds behind.
For Nageeye, this win was monumental and a validation of his perseverance. Here’s how he turned disappointment in Paris into a glorious victory in New York.
Paris Olympics Heartbreak: A Turning Point
Earlier in 2024, Abdi Nageeye faced one of the biggest challenges of his career. At the Paris Olympics, he was forced to drop out of the marathon race halfway due to grueling heat and humidity.
The disappointment weighed heavily on him, especially after his previous success at the Tokyo Olympics, where he claimed a silver medal. Reflecting on Paris, Nageeye described it as “one of my biggest disappointments ever.”
But instead of allowing the setback to define him, Nageeye chose to use it as motivation. “I told myself, ‘You will never get that back. So I focused on New York. Every day I was thinking about Paris as motivation,’” he shared with U.S. broadcaster ESPN.
This resolve became the driving force behind his training and preparation for the New York City Marathon, as he aimed to prove not only to himself but also to his fans that he was still a force to be reckoned with.
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Nageeye’s Strategy in New York: Pacing and Precision
The New York City Marathon is renowned for its challenging course, which includes hilly terrain and the famous Queensborough Bridge. Nageeye approached this race with a meticulous strategy, focusing on pacing and timing his final kick.
Throughout the race, he stayed with the lead pack, biding his time as Evans Chebet and Albert Korir pushed the pace. Chebet, the 2022 winner, and Korir, the 2021 champion, both attempted to break away at Mile 16, hoping to pull ahead on the Queensborough Bridge.
However, Nageeye remained composed, staying close to the front but conserving energy for the final stretch. His patience paid off as the runners entered Central Park. At this point, only Nageeye and Chebet were left in contention.
The Dutchman’s powerful kick in the final mile gave him the edge, allowing him to surge past Chebet and cross the finish line first. It was a breathtaking end to a fiercely competitive race, with Nageeye’s tactical precision proving to be the winning formula.
Reflecting on His Victory: “This Is My Day”
After crossing the finish line, Nageeye couldn’t contain his joy. For him, this victory was more than just a marathon win—it was a moment of personal triumph. Speaking to ESPN, he shared, “I kept telling myself this is my day.” His focus and determination throughout the race were evident, and he later revealed that he was so immersed in the competition that he didn’t realize he was going to win until the final moments.
According to Olympics.com, Nageeye said, “I was so focused that I didn’t realize I was going to win. The Olympics was a disappointing race; very tough for me. But I said, ‘I have to go to New York. My goal was the podium, maybe win. … I knew what I was capable of.’” For Nageeye, the New York City Marathon wasn’t just about redemption; it was an affirmation of his abilities and proof that he could still compete with the best.
A Springboard to Future Success
Nageeye’s victory in New York marks the beginning of what he hopes will be a series of successful marathons. At 35, he believes he still has more to give and plans to use this win as a springboard for future races. “I’m still fresh,” he remarked. “I think in the next couple of years I will do much better after this. I was telling myself, the next three marathons I have to win one of them. And I won here.”
His mindset speaks to his resilience and ambition, qualities that have helped him rebound from setbacks and achieve success on one of the biggest stages in marathon running. With his newfound confidence and a solid strategy, Nageeye is setting his sights on more victories in the years to come, showing that age is no barrier when it comes to reaching one’s athletic potential.
