Rio Olympics: USA’s Jennifer Simpson wins bronze in women’s 1,500 meter
Bronze medallist USA's Jennifer Simpson celebrates after the Women's 1500m Final during the athletics event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on August 16, 2016. Credit: AFP/Getty Images / FRANCK FIFE
In another high-powered long-distance race between Kenya and Ethiopia, it was Faith Kipyegon for Kenya clinching gold in the Olympic women’s 1,500 meters over favorite and world-record holder Genzebe Dibaba.
Halfway through the race, Dibaba of Ethiopia moved to the front with a mighty kick but Kipyegon moved right with her. Dibaba kicked again at the bell and again failed to shake Kipyegon. Heading into the final turn with 200 meters to go, Kipyegon swept past Dibaba and opened up a big gap in the finishing straight.
Kipyegon, who was runner-up to Dibaba at last year’s world championships, finished the race in 4 minutes, 8.92 seconds for a 1.35-second margin over Dibaba, who took silver.
Jennifer Simpson of the United States took bronze in 4:10.53.
