Hassan withdraws from European marathon, boosting Vainio's medal hopes

Dutch distance running star Sifan Hassan will miss the European Championships marathon in Birmingham. Her manager, Jos Hermens, confirmed to Yle that Hassan is still recovering from an Achilles tendon injury sustained in April.

Hermens stated that Hassan's focus is on rehabilitation to be in top form for major marathons in the fall, specifically mentioning Berlin, Chicago, and New York. "Sifan will by no means run the marathon in Birmingham, as the rehabilitation process is ongoing. Nor will she compete in track events there. She is now focusing on rehabilitation and getting into top condition for the late autumn," Hermens said.

For Finland, Hassan's absence is a significant boost. Alisa Vainio is considered a medal favorite for the European Championships, and Hassan's withdrawal further enhances Vainio's prospects. Vainio currently leads the European season's marathon times with her Finnish record of 2:20:39, set in February. Hassan's European record stands at a remarkable 2:13:44.

Vainio's closest European competitors based on this season's times are Germany's Domenika Mayer (2:21:26) and Sweden's Abeba Aregawi (2:23:12). Vainio holds a lead of nearly a minute over them. The women's European marathon will be held on August 16, the final day of the championships.

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Sifan will by no means run the marathon in Birmingham, as the rehabilitation process is ongoing. Nor will she compete in track events there. She is now focusing on rehabilitation and getting into top condition for the late autumn.