Why did Sifan Hassan choose to wear hijab during her Paris marathon gold ceremony?

On the final day of the Paris 2024 Olympics, Dutch-Ethiopian marathon runner Sifan Hassan made headlines by wearing a hijab during her gold medal ceremony.

Hassan, who set a new Olympic record with a time of 2:22:55, narrowly edged out competitors from Ethiopia and Kenya.

Previously, Hassan had competed without a head covering, as seen in her official Instagram photos and news reports.

Her choice to wear the hijab during the podium ceremony sparked widespread discussion, with many interpreting it as a protest against restrictions on hijabs and the marginalization of hijab-wearing athletes in international competitions.

Hassan’s act became a powerful symbol of protest on social media, rapidly shared and commented on globally. With this victory, Hassan, who has already earned six Olympic medals, cemented her status as one of the greatest distance runners in history. She is the first athlete to win gold in the 5,000 meters, 10,000 meters, and marathon events.

Despite her achievements, Hassan did not fulfill her dream of becoming the first woman to win gold in the 5,000 meters, 10,000 meters, and marathon in a single Olympic Games, a feat last accomplished by Czechoslovakian Emil Zátopek in Helsinki in 1952.

Hassan's hijab during the award ceremony remains a historic moment in the Olympics, whether viewed as a form of protest or a statement of cultural and religious identity.