Tokyo Olympics: Sifan Hassan takes 5,000m gold in first leg of attempted treble

[Animous]

Sifan Hassan said she had caffeine to thank after winning her first Olympic gold medal in the 5,000m on Monday.

The Dutchwoman is bidding for a historic treble of 1500m, 5,000m and 10,000m.

Ethiopia-born Hassan, 28, produced a devastating final-lap sprint to win in 14 minutes 36.79 seconds, but it seems she required a little assistance to carry her over the finish line.

"Without coffee I would never be Olympic champion," she joked.

Hassan's gruelling schedule means she will have run in six middle- or long-distance races in eight days.

In her 1500m heat earlier on Monday, she had to recover quickly from a fall just after the bell, swiftly picking herself up to qualify in first place.

"I can't believe it. It was terrible when I tripped," she said. "When I fell down and had to jump up I felt like I was using so much energy. I couldn't believe the feelings in my legs. All the energy seemed to leave me.

"I was so tired. Without coffee I would never be Olympic champion. I needed all the caffeine!"

Kenya's two-time world champion Hellen Obiri claimed silver in 14:38.36, with Ethiopia's Gudaf Tsegay taking bronze in 14:38.87.

Hassan has a little longer to recover for her next race - the second semi-final of the 1500m, which takes place on Wednesday.

She has won world titles in the 1500m and 10,000m, with a bronze in the 5,000m.

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