The 1,500-metre heat should have been a no-fuss warm-up for Hassan's main event later in the day (the 5,000 - which she eventually won). Running from the back, as is her preference, she was gearing up to make her move as the phalanx of 15 runners approached the start of the final lap.
But Kenya’s Edinah Jebitok stumbled and tumbled to the ground just in front of her. Hassan tried to save things by hurdling over her fallen opponent, but instead tripped and did half a barrel roll.
Most runners might have called it a day, and Hassan said the thought crossed her mind for a split second. She could have filed a protest and potentially been moved along to the next round because the spill really wasn't her fault.
“But I told myself ‘No.' I didn't want to regret it later. I don't want all the excuses,” she said.
Comments