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Long distance star Sifan Hassan
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Michael Steele / Getty Images
The Dutch middle and long-distance runner Sifan Hassan has confirmed her plans to complete the 1,500-meter course in addition to the 5000 and 10,000 meters at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
This would be a hitherto little known workload for the Olympic competitions.
An ambitious program awaits the 28-year-old double world champion Hassan, especially on Monday.
First of all, she would do the pre-run over 1500 meters in the morning - at a time when the stadium could be as hot as 40 degrees Celsius.
Then the final run over the 5000 meters is waiting on the same day.
"A matter of the heart"
It was "a matter close to her heart," she said on Sunday, and she saw the challenge as motivation.
The final run over the 10,000 meters is scheduled for the penultimate day of the Olympics, Saturday.
The Dutch born in Ethiopia is one of the stars of the scene, she holds the European record over all three courses.
Because she trained in the controversial Nike Oregon Project run by US running coach Alberto Salazar, her achievements are met with a certain suspicion.
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