Jessica Hull has etched her name in the annals of Australian athletics by claiming a historic bronze medal in the 1500m at the World Athletics Championships held in Tokyo. What an incredibly important achievement to celebrate! Hull’s medal is the first ever won by an Australian in the 800m or 1500m events at a worlds.
The 28-year-old athlete crossed the finish line with a time of 3:55.16, securing her place on the podium just nine hundredths of a second ahead of Nelly Chepchirchir. In a nail-biting finish, Hull was edged out by Kenya’s Dorcus Ewoi, who took the silver in a surprising time of 3:54.92. As you can tell, this was an exciting, action-packed race. Hull exhibited extraordinary poise and willpower, particularly after her DFL in the Diamond League final in Zurich just a few weeks prior, where she crumpled in the final seconds.
Hull’s bronze medal comes a mere year after her breakout, Olympic silver in the 1500m. She had to settle for second to Faith Kipyegon in Paris. Kipyegon, the world record holder, showcased her dominance once again by winning her fourth world 1500m title in a commanding time of 3:52.15. Even so, Hull was ready to push Kipyegon, determined to stay with the Olympic Champion and world record-holder every step of the way.
In many ways, this bronze medal exemplifies an important turning point for Australia. It’s the country’s second medal at the Tokyo championships, after Kurtis Marschall’s bronze in the pole vault less than 24 hours earlier. Hull’s record-breaking day fills Australian athletics with optimism once more. She is unafraid to throw down with more seasoned pros such as Kipyegon, who is a full three years her senior.
Whatever it took, 2016 University of Oregon graduate Jessica Hull’s long path to this historic achievement was marked by grit and talent. Having previously set an Olympic record behind Kipyegon, she has proven that she can compete at the highest levels of international athletics. In addition to winning acclaim for her recent triumphs, Hull puts herself in a great position as she looks ahead to more competitions.
