Dutch distance runner Sifan Hassan tripped during a 1,500-meter heat at the Tokyo Olympics. Not only did she come to a nearly full stop on the ground, she tripped over another player.
In a matter of just 62 seconds, with less than 400 meters left to go, Hassan blew the competition out of the water and came in first place.
Never give up!\n\nSifan Hassan of the Netherlands tripped with one lap to go in a preliminary heat of the women's 1500m but got back up to continue the race.\n\nShe ended up winning her heat to advance. #TokyoOlympicspic.twitter.com/gU536XvyHg— #TokyoOlympics (@#TokyoOlympics) 1627876914
To catch up, she had to perform a full sprint for the final few meters. Hassan was third from last before the fall, but finished with a time of 4 minutes, 5.17 seconds, qualifying her for the semi-finals.
The reaction from everyone watching at home was nothing less than amazement.
God I love this stuff! Strength, resilience, defiance even!! Go ahead try to knock me down...— Sandra Cooper, RN, LPCMH (@Sandra Cooper, RN, LPCMH) 1627920434
And That is why these athletes Train all their lives. For moments like that.— Nebhusker84's Ghost is reinstated in 11 days (@Nebhusker84's Ghost is reinstated in 11 days) 1627877403
Gotta love this never give up mentality!— The Hasbeen Sports Podcast (@The Hasbeen Sports Podcast) 1627929327
I thought this was the most amazing comeback I\u2019ve ever seen. She deserves so much more excitement !!! Woohoo! You go girl!— Lauren Wiles (@Lauren Wiles) 1627918635
She would not be denied what was hers to win - Goosebumps— Blue Wave Agent 003 (@Blue Wave Agent 003) 1627939690
Freaking incredible!!! I can\u2019t stop watching this amazing woman!!!— NastyWoman \u270a\ud83c\udfff\u270a\ud83c\udffe\u270a\ud83c\udffd\u270a\ud83c\udffc\u270a\ud83c\udffb\ud83d\udc18\ud83e\uddae\ud83c\udf0a\ud83c\udf0a\ud83c\udf0a (@NastyWoman \u270a\ud83c\udfff\u270a\ud83c\udffe\u270a\ud83c\udffd\u270a\ud83c\udffc\u270a\ud83c\udffb\ud83d\udc18\ud83e\uddae\ud83c\udf0a\ud83c\udf0a\ud83c\udf0a) 1627924118
Many people called out the commentators for their lackluster announcement of this incredible athletic achievement.
God your announcers are so boring— Dj Urban Cowboy (@Dj Urban Cowboy) 1627877034
I first saw a clip with Spanish Announcers & they were so excited I had tears. Watching it again with this group of Announcers didn\u2019t make me tears eyed.— Ann Marie Barry (@Ann Marie Barry) 1627922585
These announcers get to call this race and act like this is nothing special. Get people who would match this amazing performance with great commentary— bobfuls (@bobfuls) 1627883387
Sifan Hassan was born in Ethiopia but moved to the Netherlands as a refugee. She will now go up against two-time world champion Hellen Obiri of Kenya in the 5,000-meter.
No runner has won 1,500-, 5,000- and 10,000-meter golds at the same Olympics, but Hassan has announced she is attempting to take home the gold.
Her agency calls it her "campaign for Olympic glory."
Sifan Hassan's agency says she's going for the 1500m-5000m-10,000m triple at the Tokyo Olympics.pic.twitter.com/UBCBbA9XoU— Nick Zaccardi (@Nick Zaccardi) 1627781497
Hassan said:
"For me, it is crucial to follow my heart."
"Doing that is far more important than gold medals."
"That keeps me motivated and it keeps me enjoying this beautiful sport."
Hassan competes in the 1,500 meter semifinals on Wednesday.
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