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.
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.
Many people called out the commentators for their lackluster announcement of this incredible athletic achievement.
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."
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.
