Tiernan the fastest Aussie ever in an Olympic marathon

Patrick Tiernan has shone alongside the iconic landmarks of Paris, clocking 2:10:34 in the men’s Marathon to become the fastest Australian across the distance at the Olympic Games.

Tiernan (QLD, Alistair and Amy Cragg) was among the pack for much of the first 15 kilometres. He came through half-way in 29th position, before a 1:33:14 split at 30-kilometres and a run home to the finish that eventually saw him place 24th.

On the challenging undulating course, Andrew Buchanan (VIC, Scott Westcott) was the next Australian to cross the line, finishing strong in a time of 2:12:58, placing 45th.

Rounding out the Australian trio was Liam Adams (VIC, Ken Hall), with the three-time Olympian stopping the clock in 2:13:33 to place 49th, after a tough final 10kms.

The race was won by Ethiopian Tamirat Tola in an Olympic Record time of 2:06:26.

Setting off from the famed Hôtel de Villes, the course takes inspiration from the women’s march on Versailles during the French Revolution.

It was the perfect canvas for Patrick, as he passed icons including the Musee de Louvre, the Grand Palais, the Arc de Triomphe and the Trocadero to etch his name into the history books.

“I’m stoked. I ran 2:10-something, which I thought would be good enough for top-ten, so I’m happy to end up where I did [given the pace],” Patrick said.

“It went exactly how I wanted to, ran how I wanted to run, and am thrilled that this was faster than my debut on what was a very flat course. I’m excited about what I can do next.”

Patrick’s return to the Olympics also makes amends for a fall in the men’s 10,000m at Tokyo 2020, before his choice to finish became one of the gutsiest displays of the Games.

“Having this after Tokyo is such a big deal. This is a much better reflection of what I can do on the international stage and after a few more of these I think I’ll be able to go that bit further with the lead pack.

“I’ve found my event, and I think I can find my sweet spot from here. This is the third marathon I’ve run, and I’m learning. I had so much fun out there; to have people randomly yelling out your name is such a good atmosphere.”

Andy’s journey to Paris 2024 has been unique.

Competing at the Victorian Cross Country Championships last month, the Bendigo-local was at Woolworths in late July when Australian record holder Brett Robinson called him to say he’d be unable to run and that the spot was his.

He has since travelled to Europe to prepare in Montpellier, with family and friends joining him on the course in a late rush to be in the Olympic city.

“I am speechless. This hasn’t sunk in yet,” Andy said.

“On a random Tuesday I went to work, had a good day, trained that afternoon and got a call from Brett to say I was going to the Olympics. It’s been a whirlwind from there.”

“I just wanted to come here and enjoy it, make the most of it. You don’t get to run at the Olympics very often and I just wanted to make not only myself, but all those that helped me, proud.

“I believe that athletics is the heart of the Olympics, and the marathon the heart of that. I don’t know how I’m going to get gee’d up for another race again, to be honest,” Andy joked.

Liam was disappointed with how he ran. After the big hill at around 30 kilometres he struggled on the downhill and the final 10ks was tough. Still it was an outstanding effort.

The streets of Paris will again take centre stage at 8:00am CET (4:00pm AEST) on Sunday 11 August as Sinead Diver, Gen Gregson and Jessica Stenson take to the road for the women’s Marathon.

By Cody Lynch, Athletics Australia and Australian Olympic Committee
Posted 10/08/2024