Dutch runner Sifan Hassan, 28, was already ready for the final of the 5000 meters when she ran out on her attempt at the 1500 meters on Monday morning in Tokyo.
When the six best runners would advance to the semifinals, Hassan could take it easy and save energy for the final of 5000 meters later on Monday.
Jumped into Jebitok
When the runners were to run out on the last lap, Hassan was far back in the field and just started to move forward, when Kenyan Edinah Jebitok fell.
Hassan could not avoid Jebitok and she also fell.
Now it was in a hurry.
Would the dreams of three Olympic golds end here already?
But Hassan got closer and closer.
In the race she was in the lead, but she was not content with being top six, but sprinted past everyone and won the trial heat on 4.05.17.
Follow Nurmi's running track
Sifan Hassan's aspiration to win three Olympic races follows in the footsteps of Finnish legend Paavo Nurmi, who won five gold medals in four days during the 1924 Paris Olympics.
Nurmi won gold in 1500 meters, 5000 meters, cross-country running, and team gold in 3000 meters hurdles and cross-country running.
However, he was prevented by Finnish leaders from participating in the 10,000 meters, as they were worried about his health.
Sifan Hassan runs the final in the 5000 meters on Monday 14.40 Swedish time.