APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) Gudaf Tsegay stormed to gold in 31:27.18 leading an Ethiopian medal sweep in the women’s 10,000m final at the world athletics championships Budapest 23.
Letesenbet Gidey and Ejgayehu Taye complete the all-Ethiopian podium, finishing second and third, respectively, WA announced on Sunday.
The sweep came after a dramatic final straight centered around Sifan Hassan’s fall just meters from the finish line.
Hassan, who raced in the 1500m heats this morning, bided her time at the back of the lead pack for most of the race.
The Dutch star started to kick on the final lap and moved into the lead with 200 meters to go, closely tracked by world 5000m champion Gudaf Tsegay.
But Tsegaye drew level on the home straight, and as she did so, Hassan tried as best she could to defend her position. The jostling proved to be her downfall – quite literally – and Hassan crashed to the ground.
Tsegaye went on to win in 31:27.18 as 2022 winner Letesenbet took silver and Ejgayehu Taye the bronze. Hassan got back up and jogged over the line in 11th place.
MG/as/APA