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Bell, who fully returned pro in 2024 after taking a seven-year sabbatical, has explained Faith Kipyegon and Jessica Hull's roles in making her clinch bronze in the 1500 meters.
The women’s 1500 meters final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was a race for the history books, defined by record-breaking performances and sheer tenacity.
At the center of it all was the legendary Faith Kipyegon, whose unparalleled prowess once again cemented her status as the greatest middle-distance runner of her era, and Australia’s Jess Hull, whose determination drove the intensity of the race.
Yet, the event also marked a career-defining moment for Great Britain’s Georgia Bell, who captured an unexpected bronze. Her achievement was intricately tied to the relentless pace set by Kipyegon and the formidable challenge posed by Hull.
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14:00 - 11.08.2024
Georgia Bell on how watching Faith Kipyegon winning in Tokyo from her couch at home fueled her journey to claim a medal in Paris
Bell quit athletics in 2017, but reversed her decision in 2021 after she watched Faith Kipyegon dominating the 1500 meters at the Tokyo Olympics.
Faith Kipyegon entered the Paris final as the overwhelming favorite and did not disappoint, setting an astonishing Olympic record of 3:49.04, securing her third consecutive Olympic title.
Her run was a masterclass in athletic dominance, forcing every other competitor to push themselves beyond their limits. Jess Hull, undeterred by Kipyegon’s reputation, stayed within striking distance throughout the race and clinched silver with a personal best of 3:55.97, setting new national and Oceania records in the process.
Amidst this electrifying showdown, Bell found herself in a race that would demand everything she had ever learned and trained for.
The furious tempo dictated by Kipyegon and the relentless pursuit by Hull created a race that tested not only physical limits but mental fortitude.
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16:01 - 17.09.2024
Australian Olympic silver medalist Jessica Hull on why pushing Faith Kipyegon to set new 1500m world record was the turning point in her career
Hull, who delivered silver in the 1500 meters at the Paris Olympic games, has had an unforgettabloe season that saw her give Faith Kipyegon a run for her money in the event.
“Not till like the last meter or two. It was so, so tight really, and in the home straight, I was like, ‘I am still here,’” Bell told Athletics Weekly, reflecting on how the blistering pace of the race spurred her on.
The lead set by Kipyegon was monumental. Her ability to command the race from the front forced the pack, including Bell, to respond. Hull’s presence, too, played a pivotal role, pushing Bell to dig deeper.
Hull's aggressive pursuit of Kipyegon meant the race remained intense from start to finish, and Bell had no room to ease up. This environment of unmatched competition set by Kipyegon and Hull laid the foundation for Bell's record-breaking run of 3:52.61, shattering the British record and earning her the bronze medal.
Bell's final surge was rooted in lessons from past disappointments. “With like 50 meters to go, I remember how it felt to come fourth, which I had done earlier this year, and that gave me an extra surge,” she shared.
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06:37 - 28.10.2024
'That memory will stay with me forever'- Briton star recounts unforgettable 1500m final at Paris Olympic Games
Olympic bronze medalist Georgia Bell, reflecting on her all-out performance in the 1500m final at the Paris Olympics, expressed pride in leaving everything on the track and achieving an unforgettable podium finish.
That push, born out of experience and catalyzed by Kipyegon and Hull's exceptional performances, propelled Bell forward in the final moments. “I kicked and nearly came second. From like fourth to nearly coming second, it really came over me—that feeling.”
The pace set by Kipyegon not only pushed records but also inspired those racing alongside her to redefine their limits. Bell, still processing her achievement after crossing the finish line, recounted her surprise at the race's speed.
“I knew I had won a medal, so I was really happy... but I could not believe how fast we had gone,” she said. Exhausted, she fell to the ground, savoring the realization that she had given everything she had.
In the shared elation of the moment, Hull’s gesture highlighted the camaraderie among competitors.
“Jess was next to me and hugged me, and we were just freaking out about what we had done,” Bell recalled, illustrating the profound shared respect fostered in moments of intense competition. Hull’s role in pushing the pace added an additional layer of complexity to Bell’s achievement, making it all the more significant.
As Bell, now 30, reflects on her journey to that Olympic bronze, she is clear about the influence of the women who raced beside her. Kipyegon’s Olympic record-setting run and Hull’s relentless pursuit were not just components of an incredible race but catalysts that pushed Bell to surpass her own expectations.
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