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! Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands tripped with one lap to go in a preliminary heat of the women's 150… https://t.co/d8NJVQdJ4m— #TokyoOlympics (@#TokyoOlympics) 1627876914.0
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.
@NBCOlympics God I love this stuff! Strength, resilience, defiance even!! Go ahead try to knock me down...🥰— Sandra Cooper, RN, LPCMH (@Sandra Cooper, RN, LPCMH) 1627920434.0
@NBCOlympics And That is why these athletes Train all their lives. For moments like that.— Nebhusker84's Ghost is reinstated in 10 days (@Nebhusker84's Ghost is reinstated in 10 days) 1627877403.0
@NBCOlympics Gotta love this never give up mentality!— The Hasbeen Sports Podcast (@The Hasbeen Sports Podcast) 1627929327.0
@NBCOlympics I thought this was the most amazing comeback I’ve ever seen. She deserves so much more excitement !!! Woohoo! You go girl!— Lauren Wiles (@Lauren Wiles) 1627918635.0
@NBCOlympics She would not be denied what was hers to win - Goosebumps— Blue Wave Agent 003 (@Blue Wave Agent 003) 1627939690.0
@NBCOlympics Freaking incredible!!! I can’t stop watching this amazing woman!!!— NastyWoman ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼✊🏻🐘🦮🌊🌊🌊 (@NastyWoman ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼✊🏻🐘🦮🌊🌊🌊) 1627924118.0
Many people called out the commentators for their lackluster announcement of this incredible athletic achievement.
@NBCOlympics God your announcers are so boring— Dj Urban Cowboy (@Dj Urban Cowboy) 1627877034.0
@NBCOlympics I first saw a clip with Spanish Announcers & they were so excited I had tears. Watching it again with… https://t.co/2B0kWhcjkF— Ann Marie Barry (@Ann Marie Barry) 1627922585.0
@NBCOlympics These announcers get to call this race and act like this is nothing special. Get people who would matc… https://t.co/objLRrS2Yr— bobfuls (@bobfuls) 1627883387.0
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. https://t.co/UBCBbA9XoU— Nick Zaccardi (@Nick Zaccardi) 1627781497.0
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.