Bhutan marathoner finishes race 90 min after gold medalist, gets ovation

The loudest cheers in the women’s marathon in the Paris Olympics were reserved for the athlete who finished last.

Yes, Kinzang Lhamo, a marathon runner from Bhutan, was cheered on by the crowd in the home stretch as the 26-year-old displayed incredible Olympic spirit and a never-say-die attitude on Sunday, August 11. After making history by competing in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Lhamo made sure she will be remembered forever for the heartwarming moment on the final day of the Games in the French capital.

Despite finishing 90 minutes after the gold medalist, Siffan Hassan of the Netherlands, Lhamo’s determination and perseverance earned her a standing ovation from the Paris crowd as she approached the finish line.

As Lhamo neared the end of the race, the Paris crowd erupted in cheers, acknowledging her remarkable achievement. The support from the crowd was a testament to the Olympic spirit, which celebrates not only the winners but also the courage and dedication of athletes like Lhamo who embody the values of perseverance and sportsmanship.

As many as 11 runners did not finish the race on Sunday. Lhamo held on and completed the marathon despite clocking more than an hour than the second-last runner in the group.

Lhamo was the only female athlete in Bhutan’s contingent and she was their flagbearer at the opening ceremony.

Lhamo completed the 42km marathon in 3:52.59s — a personal best for her. Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands won the gold medal with an Olympic record of 2:22.25. Ehiopia’s Tigst Assefa won silver with a time of 2:22.58s while Kenya’s Obiri Hellen won bronze at 2:23.10s, which was a personal best for her.

Lhamo’s journey to the Olympics was a remarkable one. She won the Bhutan International Marathon in March, showcasing her exceptional endurance and skill. Prior to that, she came second in the Snowman Race, an extreme event that spanned 203 km through the mountains of Bhutan, with the highest point reaching 5,470 meters.

Competing in her first international event and her first time in Europe, Lhamo faced a significant challenge in the Paris marathon. The much flatter course was a departure from the mountainous terrain she was accustomed to in Bhutan. Despite this, she remained focused on her personal goal of completing the marathon and breaking her own record.