Hassan secures 5K gold, first in quest for historic triple

TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 02: Sifan Hassan of Team Netherlands reacts as she wins the gold medal in the Women's 5000 metres Final on day ten of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 02, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) (Getty Images, 2021 Getty Images)

Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands checked one of three boxes in her unprecedented middle-long distance triple attempt Monday night in Tokyo, capturing gold in the 5000m on a rain-soaked Olympic Stadium track for her first ever Games medal.

The 2017 world bronze medalist waited until the end to kick as usual, blowing by the field in the last 200 meters to finish in 14:36.79.

Recommended Videos



Earlier in the day she fell during the prelims of the 1500m and was forced to use precious energy, roaring back to take the win.

She's the reigning world champion in both of her next events, the 1500m and 10,000m.

Born in Ethiopia, Hassan is the world record-holder in the mile.

Kenyan Hellen Obiri earned silver in 14:38.36 while Ethiopian Gudaf Tsegay took bronze in 14:38.87.

SEE MORE: Dutch runner falls, wins, provides indelible Olympic moment