A great drama marked the 1,500m series for women at the Tokyo Olympics. It engaged the main favorite for Olympic medals in 1,500m, 5,000m, and 10,000m Sifan Hassan. The representative of the Netherlands, who will take part in the three long-distance tunning in the Japanese capital, fell after a collision one lap before the end of her series, but quickly stood up and managed to fight for first place with 4:05.17 minutes.
Ethiopian-born Sifan Hassan is a 1,500m and 10,000m world champion. She fell to the ground after being entangled in the Kenyan Edina Jebitok in the last third of the distance in the series today. However, the Dutchwomen got up and finished first with a time of 4:05.17 minutes.
Later today she will run again bu in the 5,000m final, which is set in the second athletic session of the day.
The semifinals of the 1,500m are on Wednesday, and the final – on Friday. And the final 10,000-meter run is a day later, on Saturday, and will shape the super-busy program of the 28-year-old athlete.
Arriving in the Netherlands at the age of 15 as a refugee with her family, Sifan Hassan follows the footsteps of Finnish athletics greatness Paavo Nurmi, who won five gold medals at the 1924 Games, including 1,500m and 5,000m in a matter of hours.
“It’s crucial for me to follow my heart. If you can do it, it’s something much more important than winning gold medals. That’s what keeps me motivated and makes me compete and enjoy this beautiful sport”, said Sifan Hassan.
