Sifan Hassan says she couldn't resist being a part of history after choosing the Sydney Marathon over competing at the world athletics championships.
The Dutch multi-distance superstar will tackle the harbour city course on Sunday for the first time after the Sydney event joined the marathon major calendar this year.
The world athletics championships begin on September 13 in Tokyo, less than three weeks later.
Hassan had won the 5000m and 10,000m titles at the Tokyo Olympics and was the 1500m bronze medallist.
But the tight turnaround proved too challenging for the 32-year-old despite her "great memories" in Tokyo.
"In two weeks or three weeks, I don't even know if I'm going to recover," Hassan said.
"Like the first couple of days, I barely walk after a marathon.
"It was so a hard decision for me, because ... I have never skipped any World Championships (since her debut in 2015).
"But I really want to be part of the Sydney Marathon because it's the first major marathon. Who doesn't want to be part of the first major marathon?
"I really thought about it. I really thought about what to do but my heart really wanted to be (in Sydney)."
Hassan will be aiming to outdo her third-place finish in this year's London Marathon.
The four-time Olympic medallist and reigning Olympic marathon champion crossed the finish line in two hours and 19 minutes.
Hassan, regarded as one of the greatest multi-distance runners of all time, had also collected 10,000m and 5000m bronze medals at the 2024 Olympics.
The 32-year-old holds a personal best of 2:13:44 in Chicago in 2023.
Hassan will be joined at the starting line by defending Sydney Marathon winner Workenesh Edesa, Kenya's Brigid Kosgei and local leader Jessica Stenson.
Kenyan legend Eliud Kipchoge is the headline attraction in the men's field, which includes Ethiopian duo Dawit Wolde and Birhanu Legese, and Australia's former national record holder Brett Robinson and fellow Olympian Liam Adams.
Hassan said she wasn't short of motivation for Sunday's race.
"I'm a very curious person and, you know, I do crazy stuff," Hassan said.
"I want young people, young athletes, young students, not to be stuck on one thing - be open minded, be curious, solve the problem.
"That is what actually motivates me more, to do many things and challenge myself.
"And of course, I'm very scared, but I'm really there to do it."
