- Diribe has great potential and determination
Under the dazzling lights and on the grandest stage, Diribe Wetleji delivered a strong performance in the women’s 1500m final. But it was still not enough for a medal.
Diribe, who set a world record of 4:20.98 to win the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Riga in October 2023, finished a commendable fourth in a tough race at the Stade de France on the last night of athletics at the Olympics.
Diribe chased the leaders down the home stretch but couldn’t catch them, with Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon taking gold, Australia’s Jessica Hull earning silver, and GB’s Georgia Bell claiming a bronze.
Gudaf Tsegay, who had finished ninth in the 5000m and sixth in the 10,000m just days earlier, led the race until Kipyegon moved alongside her after the first lap, with Diribe trailing. The Ethiopian team’s strategy was unclear, possibly influenced by their coach’s instructions. Gudaf maintained the lead until the bell but soon faded, allowing Kipyegon to take over. With 200 meters to go, Kipyegon surged ahead, while Welteji fell behind in the final 100 meters, getting out-sprinted by Bell and Hull. Diribe finished with a time of 3:52.750, having given it her all.
Konjit Teshome, a sports journalist and commentator, expressed puzzlement over Gudaf Tsegay’s decision to set such a fast pace early on, especially considering Diribe’s strong medal prospects. “Running hard from the start might have been part of a strategy, but it ultimately didn’t work in Diribe’s favor,” Konjit noted. She pointed out a possible lack of coordination within the Ethiopian team, suggesting that they could have prioritized tactics that played to Diribe’s strengths to help her secure a medal. “It’s unfortunate that the team didn’t adopt a strategy that could have maximized their chances of success,” she added.
This lack of coordination was evident during the race. Diribe seemed caught off guard by Gudaf’s speed, but as the pace eased, she started closing the gap. By the final lap, she had latched onto Kipyegon, but Hull and Bell came from behind to outpace her.
Despite the Paris strategy and not securing a medal, Diribe’s performance has highlighted her great potential and determination. By the time of the next Olympics in Los Angeles, she will be 26 and remains focused on the 1500m, though she may also consider the longer 5000m.
Diribe’s journey has been marked by consistent improvement, a theme prevalent in elite sports. She continues to build on her impressive career, adding to her notable resume, which includes the world U20 800m title she won at age 16 in Tampere in 2018, a world U20 1500m silver in Nairobi in 2021, and her first senior world medal in Budapest.
