Agathe Guillemot struck a major blow this Thursday by qualifying for the 1,500m final, a first in the history of the Olympics for a Frenchwoman. The 25-year-old Breton, who really started the 1,500m in 2022, finished sixth in her semi-final and will therefore have the chance to participate in the final, scheduled for Saturday. During this semi-final, Guillemot also broke her own French record, taking it to 3’56”69 (ex-record 3’58”05 at the last meeting in Paris, at the beginning of July).
Guillemot managed her race well, staying in the heart of the pack before making an effort on the last lap to hold on to her sixth place. “It’s crazy, it’s a waking dream,” she said in the mixed zone. “It’s being in shape at the right time. I’m thinking of my coach (Marc Reuzé), my group, Pays Bigouden. It’s an entourage, a whole staff that meant that today (Thursday) I was fully liberated with legs of fire, a crazy crowd, my head ready to go.”
Ethiopian Diribe Welteji took first place with the best time of these semi-finals (3’55”10), in a race which went much faster than the first half, won by the big favourite, Kenyan Faith Kipyegon (3’58”64).
Another of the big names, Ethiopian Gudaf Tsegay, was further behind, only taking fourth place in her semi-final (3’56”41).
The final will be held on Saturday at 8:15 p.m.
