Kenya’s Nelly Chepchirchir produced late drama in winning her first Diamond League trophy as she pipped Australia’s Jess Hull right at the end of the 1500 metre women’s race to emerge victorious in Zurich, Switzerland.
Having played second fiddle the entire race, the Kenyan capitalized on Hull’s lethargic finish as she crossed the line in a season best time of 3:56.99 to snatch what looked like a sure win for Hull who capitulated with metres left.
In the absence of Kenya’s triple Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon, Hull was billed as the favourite and she wore the mantle proudly as she led the race right from the start.
The Aussie held the lead right until the final 50m where her legs could not carry her any longer as Chepchirchir came from behind to close on her lead before snatching the win right from Hull’s nose.
“Despite the weather, I felt good today. I keep telling myself that there is nothing I can do about it and there are some challenges that I need to overcome. My goal for Tokyo is to do my best. We will have to go through some rounds, so I will focus on making sure I will make it through to the final,” Chepchirchir said after her win.
Hull was left to contend with a second place finish after crossing the line in 3:57.02 ahead of compatriot Hall Linded who timed 3:57.44.
