Nelly Chepchirchir Reacts After Dramatic First Diamond League 1500m Title

The Kenyan runner was ecstatic after clinching her first Diamond League 1500m title, outlasting Jessica Hull in a dramatic Zurich finish.

Pacesetting prodigy Nelly Chepchirchir has reacted to her dazzling performance at the Zurich Diamond League final, where she snatched the victory in the women's 1500m in the last stride.

The 21-year-old Kenyan, who was running in the absence of her legendary compatriot Faith Kipyegon, sealed her first-ever Diamond League title in 3:56.99.

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The event was poised to be Australia's Jessica Hull's coronation. Riding the wave of her Paris Olympic silver medal, Hull cleared on the back straight and appeared in control of the race.

10–15 metres clear at the bell, the Australian appeared a certainty to add a Diamond League title to her breakthrough season.

But athletics can be remorselessly fickle.

Hull began to falter in the final 100 metres, grinding her teeth with every stride as her legs failed her.

Chepchirchir, who had lain patiently in second, battled back up, drawing level in the final metres before leaning to win by a margin of just 0.03 seconds.

"Even though the weather, I'm feeling fine today, but I keep telling myself there is nothing I can do about and there are some problems that I have to fight," Chepchirchir said afterward.

"My goal is always to do my best. In races like this, I just try to stay tough and believing in the finish."

Hull's Heartbreak, Chepchirchir's Breakthrough

For Hull, the disappointment was visible as she crossed the line in 3:57.02, inches from her first Diamond League title.

Linden Hall brought another shade to the green-and-gold group when claiming third in 3:57.44.

Chepchirchir's victory, however, heralded the emergence of a new power in middle-distance running .

The Kenyan long touted as a future star again displayed her toughness, but this time showing also her coolness in extreme pressure.

"We will need to go through some rounds, so I will concentrate on ensuring that I qualify for the final," she continued, already looking ahead to future championship tests.

Cram: "Bizarre Race"

Former 1500m world champion and British commentator Steve Cram encapsulated the freakish finish.

"Oh my word! Well, the two of them couldn't have gone any slower down the home straight," he exclaimed.

"I've never seen that — Jess Hull completely running out of gas, completely misjudging it. I haven't seen that from Jess in a long time, and Chepchirchir on the line gets it. Bizarre race."

Chepchirchir, however, there was nothing bizarre about her elation.

From starting a career-high performance in Paris to claiming Zurich, she has joined the ranks of the sport's elite — and left no doubt she will be a factor on the global circuit for years to come.