When Sifan Hassan Fell the World Counted Her Out — Then She Shocked Them All

It was one of the most unforgettable moments of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

In the first round of the women’s 1500 meters, Dutch distance star Sifan Hassan was cruising near the back of the pack when disaster struck. With just one lap to go, a runner ahead of her tripped and fell—causing Hassan to tumble hard onto the track.

For a brief second, it looked like her Olympic dream might be over.

But Hassan didn’t stay down.

With remarkable poise and determination, she sprang back to her feet and began an astonishing chase. In less than 400 meters, she not only caught the field but blew past them, surging into the lead and winning the heat in a dramatic, come-from-behind finish that left the world in awe.

And that was just the beginning.

Hassan went on to complete one of the most ambitious programs in Olympic history, running six distance races in just eight days. Her results were historic:

• Gold medal in the 5,000 meters

• Gold medal in the 10,000 meters

• Bronze medal in the 1,500 meters

Her Tokyo triple made her the first athlete—male or female—to ever medal in all three of these events in a single Olympics.

Sifan Hassan’s fall could have ended her Games. Instead, it defined them. Her performance wasn’t just about winning races—it was about heart, courage, and rising when it matters most.

As she later said, “It’s not about the fall, but how hard we rise.”

posted Saturday May 10th
by Boris Baron