In a testament to her incredible talent and determination, Sifan Hassan has been crowned the Best Dutch Athlete of 2024 at the Athletics Federation’s prestigious gala in Amersfoort.
This marks the fourth time Hassan has won this coveted award, having previously claimed it in 2018, 2019, and 2021. The accolade comes on the heels of her remarkable achievements at the Paris Olympics, where she delivered performances that will be remembered for years to come.
The Ethiopian-born Dutch long-distance runner stunned the world in Paris by becoming the first woman to compete in the 5,000m, 10,000m, and marathon at a single Olympic Games. Hassan won bronze in the 5,000m and 10,000m before capturing the ultimate prize—a gold medal in the marathon.
Her marathon victory was particularly memorable. Despite competing in the grueling 10,000m final just a day earlier, Hassan outpaced Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa with a jaw-dropping sprint finish in the final meters of the 42.195-kilometer race. Her triumph showcased not only her versatility across distances but also her resilience and mental toughness.
Hassan’s selection as Best Dutch Athlete was determined by a combination of public votes and a professional jury. She edged out tough competition, including Femke Bol and para-athlete Joël de Jong, who were also shortlisted for the award. Bol’s remarkable performances this year solidified her as Hassan’s closest competitor for the honor.
In addition to this national recognition, Hassan is also a nominee for the World Athlete of the Year Award, a testament to her global impact in athletics.
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Femke Bol’s Outstanding Year
Though Hassan took the top prize, Femke Bol had a phenomenal year of her own, earning accolades and setting records that cemented her status as one of the best in track and field. At the Paris Olympics, Bol led the Netherlands to gold in the 4x400m mixed relay with a breathtaking anchor leg performance. She also claimed silver in the women’s 4x400m relay and bronze in the 400m hurdles.
Earlier in the year, Bol broke the 400m world record with a time of 49.17 seconds, becoming the fastest woman in history over that distance. She capped her season with a victory in the Diamond League, further solidifying her reputation as a dominant force in athletics.
Rising Talent: Niels Laros
The gala also spotlighted rising stars in Dutch athletics, with Niels Laros receiving the Dafne Schippers Talent Award. The 19-year-old from Oosterhout made waves at the Paris Olympics, finishing sixth in the 1500m final and setting a European U20 record of 3:29.54.
Laros has already been named European Talent of the Year and is now in contention for the World Talent Award. His achievements signal a bright future for Dutch athletics as he continues to break barriers at such a young age.
Hassan’s win is not just about her individual accolades; it’s a celebration of her ability to inspire millions. Her story, from her roots in Ethiopia to becoming one of the Netherlands’ most celebrated athletes, is one of perseverance and hard work.
Her historic achievements in Paris have elevated her to an elite class of athletes who redefine the limits of human performance. Competing in three of the most grueling track and field events at the same Games—and medaling in all of them—is a feat that underscores her extraordinary talent and physical endurance.
