Freweyni wins in 1500m at Stockholm Diamond League

Ethiopian athlete Freweyni Hailu finally claimed victory in the women’s 1500m at a rain-hit Wanda Diamond League meeting in Stockholm on Sunday.

Olympic and world fourth-place finisher surged into the lead with half a lap remaining, finishing in 4:02.31.

Diribe Welteji and Hirut Meshesha made it an Ethiopian sweep, finishing in 4:02.79 and 4:03.01 respectively.

“I am very grateful for this victory and also for my compatriots finishing so well,” Freweyni said.

The win – on the evening of persistent rain in Stockholm – came in her third attempt after placing third in Doha and second in Rabat.

“The victory was great but the competition was not ideal due to the weather. But we have to adapt to all conditions. I do not know where my next start is yet. I believe in more victories to come this season”

Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s Getnet Wale and Abrham Sime finished second and third, respectively, as Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali grabbed victory in the men’s 3000m steeplechase.

This is the second Diamond League success of the year for the Olympic and world champion following his win on home turf in Rabat last month.

Bakkali tracked Olympic fourth-place finisher Getnet before taking charge on the last lap and stretched his lead with every barrier to win with plenty in hand in 8:09.84.

Getnet settled for second best, finishing in 8:12.27, and his compatriot Abrham Sime was third in 8:16.82.