Sifan Hassan's journey from asylum-seeker to Olympic glory reverberates at Eindhoven Athletics Club
Eindhoven: On a sunlit Tuesday evening at the Eindhoven athletics club, a group of young athletes eagerly push through their training session, inspired by the club's most illustrious member—double Olympic champion Sifan Hassan. Her journey from an asylum-seeker in Ethiopia to a global athletics sensation began on these very tracks over a decade ago.
Ad Peeters, president of the coaching team at Eindhoven Atletiek, recalls Hassan's unassuming start. "We immediately saw she was a talented athlete. Even a blind horse could see she would be a good runner," he chuckled, reminiscing about her first foray into competitive racing. It was almost accidental—Hassan joined a friend at a nearby 1,000m race and, not realising the distance, ended up finishing where she started. This quirky beginning marked the club's introduction to her raw talent, even though, as Peeters noted, she wasn't fully committed to running at the time.
Hassan, guided by the motto "with hardship will be ease" from the Koran, endured a challenging upbringing in Adama, Ethiopia. Raised on a farm by her mother and grandmother, she made a pivotal decision to leave for the Netherlands at 15, the reasons remaining private. Her initial days in Zuidlaren, a centre for underage asylum-seekers, were marked by tears and loneliness. "I was like a flower that got no sun," she expressed to De Volkskrant, capturing her profound sense of isolation.
Upon settling in Eindhoven for a nursing course, Hassan gravitated towards fellow Ethiopians who were part of the local athletics club. Peeters described her early days as a period of adjustment—she was shy and overshadowed by more established runners from Ethiopia. Despite her natural athleticism, her technique needed refinement; her limbs seemed to flail everywhere, a testament to her unpolished form.
Peeters emphasised that the club's role extended beyond coaching. They provided crucial support to Hassan, navigating the complexities of life as a teenage asylum-seeker. "We made sure she did not do the wrong things, neither in training, nor in her personal life. We kept her safe, picked her up by car to go to training, took her to competitions," he recounted. This nurturing environment helped Hassan gain stability and focus on her athletic potential.
As Hassan's skills blossomed, so did her integration into Dutch society. She acquired a Dutch passport and was soon identified by national athletics coaches for her exceptional talent. Hassan's journey accelerated when she moved to the elite Olympic training centre in Papendal, setting the stage for her historic achievements at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
At Tokyo, Hassan etched her name in history by becoming the first athlete to secure medals (two gold and one bronze) in the 1,500m, 5,000m, and 10,000m events. Her prowess and versatility on the track were unmatched, solidifying her status as a global athletics phenomenon. Now, in Paris, Hassan sets her sights on an even greater challenge—competing in the 5,000m, 10,000m, and marathon, a gruelling feat that underscores her relentless pursuit of excellence.
Despite her international success and relocation to the United States for training, Hassan maintains strong ties with Eindhoven Atletiek. The club supported her financially in her early career, and she continues to be a member, often returning for training sessions when her schedule allows. Peeters proudly collects her fan mail and remains deeply invested in her journey, acknowledging that the club rallies behind her during major competitions.
"We don't stop our training for football, but we do for Sifo," Peeters remarked, highlighting the club's unwavering support and pride in their celebrated alumna. As Hassan prepares for her challenges in Paris, Eindhoven Atletiek stands as a testament to her resilience, talent, and enduring connection to her roots—a journey that began with uncertain steps on a Dutch track, now forging an indelible path in the annals of athletics history. AFP