Marathon runner Tigst Assefa undergoes surgery after Berlin victory — The Local Germany

Ethiopian marathon runner Tigst Assefa underwent surgery in Munich after winning the women's race at the Berlin Marathon in Germany. During the race, the athlete suffered a torn Achilles tendon, The Local Germany reports, citing her manager Gianni Demadonna.

Injury during the race

Assefa maintained a pace until the 35th kilometre that could have allowed her to break the women's marathon record. However, she then slowed down, and her difficulties due to the leg injury became noticeable. According to Demadonna, the pain began at the 31st kilometre and became very severe after the 40th kilometre.

The 29-year-old athlete crossed the finish line limping and collapsed after completing the distance. She recorded a time of 2 hours, 11 minutes and 4 seconds — the third-best time in the history of the women's marathon.

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Recovery after surgery

After the finish, Assefa received medical assistance, and on Monday she underwent surgery for the torn Achilles tendon. Demadonna said that it is now necessary to wait for information about the results of the surgical procedure.

The victory was Assefa's third at the Berlin Marathon. In 2016, she had already suffered an Achilles tendon injury, after which she moved from road races to marathon distances. Her manager expects the athlete to miss approximately seven months and potentially be able to return to compete in the London Marathon in April 2027.