After the first 600 metres, Bragina decided to change that, moving to the outside and running past the field at a quicker tempo.

After another 300 metres, Boxem began to fade and was quickly swallowed up by the front of the pack led by Sheila Carey.

At the bell Ellen Tittel dropped out, collapsing onto the high jump apron while Bragina continued to expand her lead.

Gunhild Hoffmeister moved past Carey into second place but they all were losing ground to Bragina.

Several places back, Pigni launched into her kick, passing Burneleit, Keizer, Carey and almost catching Hoffmeister.