Emily Sisson pushes forward after finishing the Paris Marathon
Emily Sisson’s history as one of America’s best marathoners has been defined by resilience and growth, and her 23.th– Winning a place at the 2024 Paris Olympics is another chapter in his quest for excellence. Crossing the line in 2:29:53 in August, Sisson once again demonstrated the sheer height of her willpower, even if the result fell short of her personal best. Despite the difficulties, this performance fueled his ambition to continue breaking records and compete in future world events, particularly the 2025 Olympics.
Sison’s marathon career has not been without setbacks. Her journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics has followed a series of highs and lows that began when she first pursued the marathon at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials. He then had to drop out at 21 miles, an experience that “broke” him. Still, that disappointment set the stage for his incredible comeback, focusing on the 10,000 meters, where he won the U.S. Olympic Trials and finished 10th at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Aramco Houston Half Marathon
January 15, 2023
Houston, Texas, USA
© 2023 Kevin Morris
After Tokyo, Sisson doubled down on her marathon training, determined to prove herself over a longer distance. In 2022, he broke the American marathon record at the Chicago Marathon, running a stunning 2:18:29. The performance, the fastest ever by an American woman, showed that Sisson is not only back, but has established herself as a serious contender in the marathon world.
Heading into the Paris Olympics, Sisson was under pressure to maintain his record potential. Although the conditions were tough and she ultimately finished 23rd in 2:29:53, Sisson viewed the race as part of a broader learning process that comes with mastering the marathon. Every race, even one that doesn’t go perfectly, provides valuable lessons that he plans to carry into the future.
His performance in Paris, though not as quick as he had hoped, highlighted his tenacity. He struggled through a side stitch early in the race, a recurring problem he also faced at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials. Despite the setback, she managed to finish strong, gaining important experience that will no doubt benefit her as she sets her sights on future competitions.

Orlando, Florida
February 3, 2024 Photo by Kevin Morris
Looking ahead to the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Sisson is laser-focused on using these experiences to push herself forward. The same city where he finished 10th in the 10,000 meters at the 2020 Olympics is now offering 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 limits of what she can achieve.
From tough races like the 2020 Olympic Trials and his recent finish in Paris, his ability makes him a formidable runner. Perhaps another big marathon podium finish before Tokyo could be enough. Time will tell.