Emily Sisson pushes forward after Paris marathon finish
Emily Sisson’s story as one of America’s top marathoners has been defined by resilience and growth, and her 23rd-place finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics is another chapter in her pursuit of excellence. Crossing the line in 2:29:53 in August, Sisson once again showed the immense height of her will power, even if the result fell short of her personal best. Despite the challenges, this performance has fueled her drive to continue lowering records and aiming for the podium at future global events, particularly the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.
Sisson’s marathon career has not been without its setbacks. Her journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics followed a string of highs and lows that began when she first pursued the marathon at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials. Back then, she was forced to drop out at mile 21, an experience that left her “broken.” Yet, that disappointment set the stage for her incredible rebound, shifting her focus toward the 10,000 meters, where she won the U.S. Olympic Trials and finished 10th in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
After Tokyo, Sisson doubled down on her marathon training, determined to prove herself in the longer distance. In 2022, she shattered the American marathon record at the Chicago Marathon, running an astounding 2:18:29. This performance, the fastest ever by an American woman, showed that Sisson was not only back but also establishing herself as a serious contender in the marathon world.
Heading into the Paris Olympics, Sisson had the pressure of living up to her record-breaking potential. While the conditions were tough and she ultimately placed 23rd with a time of 2:29:53, Sisson viewed the race as part of the broader learning process that comes with mastering the marathon. Every race, even one that doesn’t go perfectly, offers valuable lessons that she plans to carry into the future.
Looking ahead to the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Sisson is laser-focused on using these experiences to propel her forward. The same city where she finished 10th in the 10,000 meters during the 2020 Olympics now presents a new opportunity for redemption and growth. With her personal best of 2:18:29 and lessons learned from the Paris Olympics, Sisson will be determined to continue pushing the boundaries of what she can achieve.
Her ability to bounce back from difficult races, like the 2020 Olympic Trials and her recent finish in Paris, is what makes her a formidable runner. Maybe another major marathon podium finish might suffice before Tokyo. Time will tell.
