Ethiopia’s Tola Wins Men’s Marathon Gold at Olympics

 Ethiopia's Tamirat Tola crosses the finish line to win the men's marathon of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Invalides in Paris on August 10, 2024. (AFP)
Ethiopia's Tamirat Tola crosses the finish line to win the men's marathon of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Invalides in Paris on August 10, 2024. (AFP)
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Ethiopia’s Tola Wins Men’s Marathon Gold at Olympics

 Ethiopia's Tamirat Tola crosses the finish line to win the men's marathon of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Invalides in Paris on August 10, 2024. (AFP)
Ethiopia's Tamirat Tola crosses the finish line to win the men's marathon of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Invalides in Paris on August 10, 2024. (AFP)

Ethiopia's Tamirat Tola won gold in the men's marathon at the Paris Games on Saturday as Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge failed in his bid to win a historic third consecutive Olympic crown.

Belgium's Bashir Abdi took silver, improving on his bronze from Tokyo, and Kenya's Benson Kipruto claimed bronze.

Tola built a strong lead early on and crossed the finish line in two hours, six minutes and 26 seconds.

Emerging from a pack of frontrunners from the first steep ascent of an exceptionally hilly course, the former cross country specialist seemed only to strengthen on the second hill as others faded behind him.

Tola had an 18-second lead by the 35km mark, which he extended as the Eiffel Tower came into sight and crowds lining the streets roared him on. He became the first Ethiopian winner of the Olympic men's marathon in 24 years.



Mitrovic Scores in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal’s Win after Returning from Injury

Football - Saudi Pro League - Al-Fayha v Al-Hilal - King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia - March 7, 2025 Al-Hilal's Aleksandar Mitrovic reacts. (Reuters)
Football - Saudi Pro League - Al-Fayha v Al-Hilal - King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia - March 7, 2025 Al-Hilal's Aleksandar Mitrovic reacts. (Reuters)
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Mitrovic Scores in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal’s Win after Returning from Injury

Football - Saudi Pro League - Al-Fayha v Al-Hilal - King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia - March 7, 2025 Al-Hilal's Aleksandar Mitrovic reacts. (Reuters)
Football - Saudi Pro League - Al-Fayha v Al-Hilal - King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia - March 7, 2025 Al-Hilal's Aleksandar Mitrovic reacts. (Reuters)

Aleksandar Mitrovic marked his return to action following a two-month injury layoff by scoring a late goal in Al-Hilal's 2-0 win at Al-Fayha in the Saudi Pro League on Friday.

The Serbian forward, who was injured in a loss against Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Cup quarter-finals in January, scored his 13th goal in 14 games in SPL.

Mohamed Kanno opened the scoring early for Jorge Jesus's side, and Mitrovic sealed Al-Hilal's win with a close range strike in the 89th minute. VAR confirmed the goal after the check.

"It has been tough two and half months for me, had some problems with my hamstring, injury... after injury," Mitrovic told SSC Sports.

"I worked really hard to come back... I can help my teammates... happy with the goal," added the 30-year-old.

Second-placed Al-Hilal, on 54 points, closed the gap with leaders Al-Ittihad to four points. Al-Ittihad drew 1-1 with Al-Qadsiah on Thursday.