Sifan Hassan won the 10,000 meters of the FBK Games in Hengelo in a time of 29:37.81. The world record of the Ethiopian Letesenbet Gidey (29.01.03) remained out of reach. “I know there is more to it, but not yet.”
The organization of the FBK Games changed the program especially for Sifan Hassan, with an added 10,000 meters on Saturday, with a stadium open to the public. They saw the two-time Olympic champion and winner of the London Marathon compete for twenty-five laps, resulting in the fastest time of the season. Although she will not attach much importance to that, the track season worldwide is still so young.
No, it was mainly the strong ending that she raved about, signing autographs after half an hour and taking a picture with the audience in Hengelo. “In the beginning it was tough and I had a hard time. I missed here what I’ve been missing in my training since the marathon. Go really deep. But the last three rounds felt really good. I didn’t even run as fast as I ran my last lap here during my world record.”
She ran that world record here, in the FBK Stadium, two years ago. Although Letesenbet Gidey took it away two days later. Another world record attack now comes simply too soon, so soon after the successful but grueling London Marathon.
A day before her 10,000 meters in her own country, she learned that the Kenyan Faith Kipyegon ran a world record in Florence in the 1500 meters (3.49.11). But don’t expect miracles if Hassan returns to the track at the FBK stadium tomorrow. “Her world record is great and it will motivate many female athletes. But if I run under 4 minutes tomorrow, it’s okay too. I know there’s more to it, but not yet. For now this level is very good. I just want to be able to go deep again.”
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and don’t miss a thing of the stars.