Ethiopia: Tola and Obiri in search of a historic double at the New York marathon.

The New York Marathon, a legendary event that attracts crowds from all over the world, is about to experience an unprecedented edition with the presence of two champions in search of a double. Ethiopians Tola and Obiri are pushing the limits of the marathon by aiming not only for individual victory, but also for the title in the men's and women's tables. This exciting challenge already raises many questions: can they indeed triumph in one of the most prestigious races on the planet?

An Elite Duo On The Winning Line

Ethiopian champion Tamirat Tola and Olympic gold medalist Peruth Chemutai have both had impressive runs that put them at the forefront of the competition. Tola, with her ability to handle pressure, and Obiri, who crossed the finish line with incredible speed in the 10,000 meters and then the marathon, are formidable runners. By training hand in hand, this champion couple demonstrates that collaboration is synonymous with success. Their past performances, including at the recent world championships, are a testament to their undeniable talent, and their stated goals are just the icing on the cake of their incredible athletic journey.

Excessive Ambitions

Tola recently said he couldn’t think of a better way to end his year than with a win in New York. Obiri, for her part, talks about the unique opportunities that such a high-profile race offers, and the exposure that could come with it. It’s not just a personal glorification for these personalities, but also an opportunity to showcase Africa on a global stage. The pride of their country and that of an entire continent rests partly on their shoulders during this historic marathon.

Challenges to Overcome

The New York course is not all fun and games. The weather conditions, the terrain configuration and the opponents' strategy add to the complexity of the event. Facing tough competitors like Eliud Kipchoge and Brigid Kosgei, Tola and Obiri will have to redouble their efforts to maintain their position. In addition, public expectations and media pressure could prove to be determining factors, sometimes a source of motivation, sometimes of stress.

As the marathon approaches, the excitement is palpable. The New York crowds will be in turmoil, tense towards the starting line, waiting to see if the two African champions will achieve their dream of a double. What will this edition of the New York Marathon have in store? The stakes are colossal, but the audacity of Tola and Obiri leaves no room for doubt: perhaps history will be written at their feet.

In short, all that remains is to keep our fingers crossed and encourage our African athletes as they embark on this exhilarating adventure.