U.S. Runner Molly Seidel, in only her third marathon, wins Olympic bronze

Molly Seidel, the 27-year-old American, had only run two marathons before arriving to compete at the Tokyo Olympics. But on Friday night, Seidel pulled off a historic upset and is leaving Japan with a bronze medal.

Seidel’s bronze makes her only the third American woman to medal in the Olympic marathon ever — which includes storied distance runners Deena Kastor and Joan Benoit Samuelson.

Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir took gold in 2:27:20, while world record holder Brigid Kosgei won the silver in 2:27:36. Siedel was close behind and let out a well-deserved scream as she crossed the line in 2:27:46 to round out the Olympic podium.

HEAR. HER. ROAR.@ByGollyMolly12 x #TokyoOlympics

📺 NBC
💻 https://t.co/KUtVmoSGW5
📱 NBC Sports App pic.twitter.com/bLWs7lJK06

— #TokyoOlympics (@NBCOlympics) August 7, 2021

Seidel finished second at the U.S. Olympic trials in February 2020 in her first-ever competitive marathon, behind her teammate Aliphine Tuliamuk, who dropped out of the Olympic race because of an injury.

In a post-race interview, Seidel was overcome with a mix of exhaustion and emotion after seeing her family celebrate.

“I’m so tired,” said Seidel. “Please, please drink a beer for me!”

"I'm so tired. Please drink a beer for me!"

Olympic marathon bronze medalist @ByGollyMolly12 has one post-race request for her family 🍻#OlympicHERstory | #TokyoOlympics pic.twitter.com/lRhpWA0XKj

— On Her Turf (@OnHerTurf) August 7, 2021

Following the marathon, several legendary distance runners and fellow Olympians sent their congratulations to Seidel on social media.

Way.
To.
Go.
Molly.
🇺🇸
Olympic marathon medalist!#TokyoOlympics

— Deena Kastor (@DeenaKastor) August 6, 2021

MOLLY 🤬 SIDEL!!!! Omg, one of the absolute honors of my life to call that race. @ByGollyMolly12 you are an inspiration for the ages!!! Cheers!! 🍻

— Kara Goucher (@karagoucher) August 6, 2021

“It takes 10 years to become an overnight success.” - marathoners

“Hold my beer.” - Molly Seidel #TeamUSA

— des_linden (@des_linden) August 6, 2021