Paris 2024 Paralympics | Para Athletics - Marcel Hug, T54 Marathon Paralympic Champion: "Happy to Finally Win Gold"

On the final day of the Paralympics, Switzerland’s Marcel Hug finally captured his gold medal in the T54 marathon. Relieved, he still had to endure the challenge posed by the Parisian cobblestones.

Marcel Hug had to wait until his last event in Paris to claim gold. After winning bronze in the 800m and silver in the 1,500m and 5,000m, the Swiss athlete secured his third consecutive Paralympic marathon title in the T54 category. "It's incredible, I'm so happy to have finally won the gold medal," he said. "It’s such a relief. I’m absolutely exhausted, both physically and mentally."

The Nightmare of Cobblestones

At the finish line, most athletes in the T54 category (who use a racing wheelchair) shared the same sentiment: the Parisian cobblestones were a real nightmare. Marcel Hug, fresh off his victory, described the difficulty: "We’re not used to covering such a long distance on cobblestones. It was very bumpy, and now my back hurts. It was a challenge for everyone." His compatriot, Catherine Debrunner, now a five-time Paralympic champion after winning the marathon, also complained of back pain after traversing more than five kilometers of cobblestones.

While Hug had prepared for this challenge with adjustments, such as tweaking tire pressure, his victory was also a result of his race strategy. By taking the lead early, he prevented his competitors from catching up: "The plan was to start very fast and split the groups. I’m glad it worked," he said with satisfaction.

"Enjoying the Moment"

After his victory, Hug is focused on enjoying the present, without thinking too far ahead to Los Angeles in four years. "For now, I just want to enjoy the moment here in Paris. It’s amazing to be here," he explained. His decision to compete in the next Paralympics will come later, after he has had time to enjoy his medals.