[1][2] In the heats, Olympic and returning bronze medalist Margaret Wambui was the victim of another disqualification.

Habitam Alemu took up the second position for a lap before, defending champion Francine Niyonsaba came forward at a faster pace.

After a 59.02 first 400m, Alemu accelerate on the backstretch, to try to pass Niyonsaba, who sprinted a few steps to rebuff that effort.

Well behind the battle for the lead, Shelayna Oskan-Clarke had been running in fifth place, began to move forward.

On the final backstretch, Niyonsaba ran past Wilson, and pulled away on the homestretch, celebrating a 5-metre win to retain her championship.