At the previous Olympics, Sifan Hassan was virtually unbeatable at the end of races.

Gudaf Tsegay, returning bronze medalist, won the 2022 World Championships, uncharacteristically out kicking Beatrice Chebet.

Then in 2023, 1500 world record holder Faith Kipyegon joined the mix beating Hassan and Chebet while Tsegay applied her efforts to win the 10,000.

Karoline Bjerkeli Grøvdal wanted to make the race faster and moved to the front, Nadia Battocletti and Chebet dropped in behind her.

Near the halfway point, Taye moved to the front, with Tsegay joining her to try to do some team tactics.

A few steps behind, Hassan left the chasing group and set off after the departing Kenyans.