Nadia Battocletti shone in the qualifying heat, finishing confidently in third place with a time of 1’45″75. First was the Kenyan Faith Kipyegon (14’57″56), followed by the Dutch Sifan Hassan (14’57″65).
These are the 8 athletes in the finals for the 5000 meters: Kipyegon, Hassan, Battocletti, Kipkemboi, Tsegay, Taye, Cranny, and Schweizer.
“I am happy with how the race went; I hoped to reach the Olympics without any problems. I have some discomfort in my heel and tendon, and the posterior chain is stiff, which affects me. Ice will become my dear friend. I must thank my medical staff. It was a tough heat; it felt like a final. I made a positive choice to follow the Japanese athlete at the front of the race; I wanted to stay ahead to avoid any surprises.”
Battocletti thanked the medical and technical staff who support her, her family, and friends, with a thought also for Cavareno, her hometown in the Non Valley. The 5000 final will be on Monday at 21:15. On Friday, August 9, she will be in the finals for the 10,000 meters.