Meet Sifan Hassan: Net Worth, Nationality, Parents, Religion, Ethnicity & More

Sifan Hassan’s journey to becoming one of the most versatile athletes in history is nothing short of extraordinary. From a young girl arriving in Netherlands with dreams of nursing, to a global champion, her path was shaped by determination, hard work, and the influence of powerful mentors. Along the way, she found herself and her true passion. But she didn’t achieve all of it alone.

Who Is Sifan Hassan?

Sifan Hassan is one of the most versatile runners in history. Born in Ethiopia and running for Netherlands, she’s dominated everything from the 1500m to the marathon, often in the same championship. A three-time Olympic gold medallist and world record breaker, her range and grit have redefined what’s possible in distance running.

At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she pulled off something no one had before. Gold in the 5,000m and 10,000m, bronze in the 1,500m. Three medals. Three distances. One Game. Then came Paris 2024. Bronze in both the 5,000m and 10,000m again, but that wasn’t the headline. She won marathon gold, making history as the only woman to win Olympic gold in the 5,000m, 10,000m, and marathon.

Back in 2019, she’d already stunned the world at the World Championships, taking gold in the 1,500m and 10,000m. Nobody, man or woman, had done that double before. Her trophy case was always crowded. World records in the mile, one-hour run, and 10,000m (even if briefly). European records in nearly every event she’s touched. Marathon debut was in London in 2023, and she won it. What sets her apart is not just the medals; it’s that she refuses to be boxed in. Middle distance, long distance, roads—she runs it all. And she runs to win.

What Is Sifan Hassan’s Nationality?

Sifan Hassan, born in Adama, Oromia, Ethiopia, is a naturalized Dutch citizen, having moved to Netherlands at 15 as a refugee. Her journey from fleeing conflict to becoming a global track and field sensation is nothing short of inspiring. Arriving in Netherlands without much knowledge of the language, Hassan’s love for running quickly found a home in her new country. By 2013, she had officially become a Dutch citizen, and her talent began to shine on the international stage. But do you know about her ethnicity and religion?

What Is Sifan Hassan’s Ethnicity and Religion?

Sifan Hassan grew up in a small village in Oromia. However, when discussing her ethnicity, she belongs to the Arsi Oromo ethnic group, a proud and resilient community with deep roots in distance running. Her early life was simple; she lived with her mom and grandmother on a farm. But everything changed at 15. Forced to flee Ethiopia, she arrived in Netherlands alone, scared, and unsure of what came next.

She didn’t speak Dutch. She barely knew where she was. She cried every day, describing herself as “a flower that didn’t receive sunlight.” But slowly, she found her footing—first in life, then in running. She never let go of her culture or her beliefs.

Hassan is a practicing Muslim and speaks openly about her faith. During Ramadan, she trains while fasting. She once shared a video wishing others a blessed month, saying faith gave her strength. That quiet strength now powers her through everything, from medals to marathons.

But behind this all, two people are among the many reasons for her success: Her parents.

Who Are Sifan Hassan’s Parents?

Sifan Hassan was born in Ethiopia to a working-class family. Raised on a small farm in the rural Kersa area, she grew up with her mother and grandmother. Their lives weren’t easy, but they had what they needed. “We didn’t have a car, but we had food, clothes, and fun,” she once said. Despite their limited means, her parents did their best to support her.

At 15, Hassan’s life took a drastic turn. Forced to leave Ethiopia, she traveled alone to Netherlands as a refugee in 2008. In the youth center in Zuidlaren, she faced deep loneliness and confusion. For weeks, she cried, describing her experience as “a flower that didn’t receive sunlight.” But she found hope when Ad Peeters, the coach of Eindhoven Atletiek, saw her potential.

Peeters recognized the raw talent within Hassan, but she lacked discipline and coordination. “She was a 17-year-old girl, alone and uncertain,” he said. With his guidance, Hassan’s focus shifted. Coaches ensured she felt safe, providing a sense of security in a foreign land. They picked her up for training, took her to competitions, and offered a safety net.

While Sifan’s mother remained in Ethiopia, she still played a crucial role in her journey. Her sacrifices and support, even from afar, laid the foundation for Hassan’s rise. The farm life, though hard, instilled resilience in her. Now, as an Olympic champion, Hassan’s story is a testament to the strength of her family’s love and sacrifices.

What Is Sifan Hassan’s Net Worth in 2025?

Sifan Hassan’s net worth in 2025 is estimated between $3 million and $6 million, built on her fierce performances and growing brand appeal. Her earnings come from three main streams.

First, race winnings. In 2023, for example, she pocketed $100,000 plus a $50,000 course-record bonus from her win at the Chicago Marathon. In her debut, she also claimed the women’s title at the London Marathon, worth $55,000.

Next, Diamond League meets add smaller but steady prize money, typically around $10,000 for wins and less for podium finishes. Finally, sponsorships and endorsements play a massive role.

Brands like Nike and others are said to back her, ramping up her income significantly.

Taken together, those streams explain her multi-million-dollar worth. But even with success raining in, she stays grounded, focused on running, growing, and what comes next.

What Are Sifan Hassan’s Career Highlights?

Olympic Firepower: Tokyo 2020 & Paris 2024

Tokyo 2020: Gold in both 5,000m and 10,000m, plus bronze in 1,500m—three medals across three distances.

Paris 2024: Bronze in both 5,000m and 10,000m; then marathon gold with an Olympic record—first woman ever to medal in 5,000m, 10,000m, and marathon in one Games.

World Championships & Championships Double

On track at Worlds 2019, she pulled off a rare 1,500m and 10,000m double—nobody else has done that.

Marathon Mastery

Marathon debut: Won the 2023 London Marathon—and she’d barely trained for it.

2023 Chicago Marathon: Clocked 2:13:44, setting a course record and running the second-fastest women’s marathon ever.

Records & Continental Dominance

Holds European and, for a time, world records in diverse distances: One-hour run, mile, and 10,000m. And behind all this success are people who trained her the best, her coaches.

Who Is Sifan Hassan’s Coach?

Sifan Hassan’s current and long-time coach is Tim Rowberry, an American coach who has been with her since 2018. He started as a pacer and assistant in the Nike Oregon Project and gradually became Hassan’s lead coach, especially after Alberto Salazar was banned in 2019. Their bond grew strong quickly. He once recalled living with her in Portland, cooking dinner, watching TV, and waking her for workouts—like a friend and coach in one.

He’s not just a strategist; he’s a scientist and a risk taker. Their training blends marathon-long runs with sharp, intense speed sessions, the kind usually meant for 1,500m or 5,000m races. They even switch up training locations, one year in the US, another year training in Kenya’s high-altitude camps like Iten to stimulate performance.

Rowberry runs his group independently, with no big-brand contracts. Sifan funds all training costs and his coaching fee herself.  Yet, this independence gives them flexibility—Rowberry answers only to Hassan and her vision.