One of Faith Kipyegon's key rivals has withdrawn from 1500m shifting Olympic race dynamics.
Dutch long-distance star Sifan Hassan has decided to drop the 1,500 meters from her schedule at the Paris Olympics.
This strategic shift will see her defending her Tokyo Olympic titles in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters while also debuting in the marathon.
![Blundering Nigerian officials cost top sprinter place in Paris Olympics 100m starting lane](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/16062024/77a902c8-18ed-4ce5-a4f2-b7746cb5fe7c.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
13:34 - 31.07.2024
Blundering Nigerian officials cost top sprinter place in Paris Olympics 100m starting lane
The Nigerian sprinter has been left devastated after her country’s athletics and Olympics committee officials failed to enter her name for the Paris Olympics event.
This decision notably impacts the dynamics of the 1,500 meters race, where Kenya's Faith Kipyegon is aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive Olympic title.
"I am excited to announce I will run the 5000m, 10,000m, and the marathon here in Paris," Hassan shared on social media.
"I am a curious person looking forward to the challenges, and trying to find out what is possible. I love the journey as much as the challenge."
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21:04 - 31.07.2024
Paris 2024: Kishane Thompson maintains mystique ahead of 100m heats
The Jamaican sprinter has maintained a low profile at the Paris Games focusing on training ahead of the crucial 100m event.
Kipyegon, the record-breaking middle-distance runner from Kenya, now faces one less competitor in her quest to dominate the 1,500 meters.
Earlier this month, she set a new world record in the event at the Paris Diamond League meeting, solidifying her status as a formidable force on the track.
Hassan is set to begin her campaign with the 5,000 meters opening round on Friday with the final scheduled for the following Monday.
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17:29 - 31.07.2024
Can Beatrice Chebet strike a double as she gears up for a daunting debut at the Paris Olympics?
Beatrice Chebet hopes to replicate Vivian Cheruiyot's prowess at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympics as she makes her Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Just days later, she will compete in the 10,000 meters on August 9, followed by the marathon with less than 48 hours of rest.
"For anyone else this would be insane!" remarked retired U.S. sprinting great Michael Johnson on the social media platform X.
"I don't believe there's ever been an athlete who enjoys racing more than Sifan Hassan."
The withdrawal of Hassan from the 1,500 meters is not just a reshuffle of competitors; it marks a significant shift in the narrative of the Paris Olympics.
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11:00 - 31.07.2024
Paris 2024: Team Kenya packed schedule for this week
Team Kenya is gearing up for a dynamic week across multiple sports at the Paris Olympics aiming for top performances and medals.
Her focus now expands beyond defending titles to setting a historical precedent in Olympic endurance events.
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