Jessica Hull’s dream of a first major medal was ended by an extraordinary first lap of the women’s 1,500m final at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
Key points:
- Jessica Hull says the pace of the 1,500m means the event is “turning into the 800m”
- Hull was pleased to have improved upon her 11th place finish at the Olympics, finishing seventh here
- Faith Kipyegon’s winning time was the 10th fastest in history
The national record holder could only look on in astonishment as the lead group of four — including eventual gold medallist Faith Kipyegon — broke clear to run the first lap in 58 seconds, faster than Hull’s personal best for 400m.
Hull hung tough to finish seventh in 4:01.82, before pledging to go back to the drawing board with her coach, Pete Julian, and come up with a plan to compete with the likes of Kipyegon.
With her gold-medal winning effort of 3:52.96, the Kenyan finished less than three seconds outside the world record, while minor medallists Gudaf Tsegay of Ethiopia and Britain’s Laura Muir both dipped under 3:56.
Kipyegon’s winning effort was the 10th fastest of all time, while the gap from third to fourth was a staggering six seconds.
“It’s like this event is turning into the 800 metres,” Hull said.
“My fastest 400 is a lot more than 55 seconds.
“But, if I have to train to go sub-60 for the first lap, then we’re going to have to practise that.”
Hull was at least satisfied with her significant improvement from last year’s Olympics, where she was a disappointing 11th in the final, also won by Kipyegon.
“It’s about progression, which is the coolest thing in our sport,” she said.
“In Tokyo, I was four or five seconds slower in the final than my semi, whereas tonight I matched what I did in the semi and got a top-eight finish.
“So I’m getting more consistent and, with consistency, comes big improvements.”
Hull will now switch her attention to the 5,000m heats on Thursday (AEST).
Fellow Australian Georgia Griffith was happy to finish ninth in 4:03.26 in her first major final.
“It was such a quick race and I was definitely feeling it after two rounds,” said the Victorian, who will step down in distance to the 800m for the Commonwealth Games next month.
“I tried to stay in it as best I could.”
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