Netherlands' Sifan Hassan wins second Tokyo 2020 gold in women's 10,000m final
Hassan beats Bahrain's Kalkidan Gezahegne and Ethiopia's Letesenbet Gidey to gold in a gruelling women's final at the Olympic Stadium.
Athletics
Sifan Hassan has won gold in the women's 10,000m in a time of 29:55.32, after a gruelling race saw all but three runners dropped from the front group in the sweltering heat of the Olympic Stadium.
Hassan, who also won gold in the 5000m and bronze in the 1500m, stormed to victory after beating off the challenge of world-record holder Letesenbet Gidey of Ethiopia, who led the race until the final 200 metres. Hassan was followed home by Bahrain's Kalkidan Gezahegne who won silver (29:56.18), while an exhausted Gidey took bronze (30:01.72).
The race began at a rapid pace, but soon runners started falling off the leading pack as the Tokyo heat took its toll.
After 20 minutes there were only four left at the front, with Gidey leading the line and Hellen Obiri, Hassan and Kalkidan Gezahegne of Bahrain following suit.
With 3000m gone, Obiri began to fall off the pace, leaving a front three digging deep to stay within touching distance of each other. It became clear that this would be a race of pure endurance, with the winner the athlete who could resist and last longest in the stifling atmosphere.
With a lap to go, Gidey, Hassan and Gezahegne were inseparable and the stage was set for an unforgettable finish.
And then Hassan made her move. With 200m left, she strode onto Gidey's shoulder and kicked for home. Gidey's challenge faded and the Netherlands' athlete took the win and with it a memorable Olympic double.
After the race, Hassan spoke about how the challenge posed by her competitors pushed her to greater heights.
“I am so happy and I cried during the medal ceremony. I actually realised that I am done, the Games are over.
“It’s not about how strong I am but how strong are the ladies I challenge. Now I am happy, I am done, it’s over.”
And she had a message for women across the world who dare to dream.
“We women are very capable, we are a lot stronger. If you want it, you are strong and you can do it. People can do it. It is for everyone.”