Paris, France, August 12, 2024: Now the dust has settled on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, one athlete who didn’t win a medal is earning global recognition.
Take a bow marathon runner Kinzang Lhamo of Bhutan.
The 26-year-old athlete from Thimphu was the last to finish the women’s marathon on a hot Sunday morning in Paris in a time of 3 hours, 52 minutes and 59 seconds – a personal best.
She was one and a half hours behind the champion Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands, who completed the race in 2:22.55 – an Olympic record.
On a day when 11 of the field did not finish, the Bhutanese athlete kept going all the way and received a rapturous reception in the closing stages, particularly when she ran on to the blue carpet for the final push with the finish line in sight.
The Bhutan Olympic Committee made a Facebook post entitled “Celebrating Kinzang Lhamo’s Inspiring Olympic Debut” and said:
“We’re incredibly proud of Kinzang Lhamo, who made her international competition debut at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
“Despite being selected for the Asian Games 2026, Kinzang was called to represent Bhutan on the global stage with just six months of guided training with Bhutan Athletics to ensure gender representation.
“Out of 91 women in her event, Kinzang ranked 80th, finishing the race in 3 hours, 52 minutes, and 59 seconds. 11 other runners were not able to finish the race. Kinzang crossed that finish line with determination and heart.
“A stadium full of people from around the world cheered her on, and we couldn’t be prouder of the way she represented Bhutan at the Olympic Games. Here’s to Kinzang and her incredible journey.”
Kenyan runner Winnine Chepkorir paid her own tribute to the Bhutan runner under the title “A Champion in all of us!”
She described it as “one of the greatest stories of defying odds, indefatigable, never-say-die and fight-to-the-end spirit” and quoted Kinzang as saying: “My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race; they sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race.”
“Kinzing Lhamo has inspired multitudes around the world and if you're out there holding back because you're afraid you're not fast enough think about her, think about an honorary support she got. The Running /Sports Community is Amazing.”
Winnie’s post attracted 10,000 Likes and over 300 comments.
Eurosport reported: “Bhutan runner Kinzang Lhamo may have finished last in the women's marathon, but has won the hearts of Paris.
“She finished 90 minutes after champion Sifan Hassan, but was willed over the line by fans. One of the most heartwarming moments of the games.”
The Eurosport footage attracted 46,000 Likes and over 1,000 comments.
