Sifan Hassan from the Netherlands was just ahead in the final over 10,000 m – but fell a few meters before the finish. She then raised allegations against the winner Gudaf Tsegay from Ethiopia.
Hassan found himself in a duel with Tsegay in the final meters from the finish line. Hassan, who had won gold in the 10,000m at the 2019 World Championships and the 2021 Olympics, stumbled on a long stride and fell. She finished 11th with a bleeding elbow, Tsegay won.
Hassan: “I was pushed”
Hassan made allegations against her competitor. “I was pushed by the Ethiopian”said Hasan. “She pushed me and that’s why I fell. But that’s sport, things like that happen.” The television pictures gave no precise information. The world association initially listed Tsegay as the winner.
“When Sifan tried to cross me just before the finish, that didn’t bother me either”said Tsegay. “That’s what happens in competitions because each of us is always fighting for the top position.”
In addition to the abrasion, she may have sustained a knee injury, Hassan said. “This needs to be investigated, hopefully everything is okay.”
Three Ethiopian runners on the podium
Tsegay won gold in 31:27.18 minutes. In the end, Ethiopia celebrated a triple victory. Silver went to Letesenbet Gidey who ran the race in 31:28.16. Bronze went to Ejgayehu Taye in 31:28.31.