Nadia Battocletti won her first-ever global gold and her first major indoor title by claiming victory in the women’s 3000m at the World Athletics Indoor Championships on Saturday (20).
The Italian is a five-time European champion across track, road, and cross country, and has also won Olympic and world 10,000m silver, as well as world 5000m bronze.
This marks a breakthrough victory for the multi-talented 25-year-old and establishes her as one of Europe’s most versatile distance runners in history.
`Decisive kick
Defending champion and pre-race favourite Freweyni Hailu of Ethiopia tumbled on the seventh lap after a clash with Australia’s Jessica Hull and Spain’s Marta García. When she got back to her feet, she had around 20 metres to make up, which ultimately ruined her chances.
The incident opened a window of opportunity for the rest of the field and, after several near misses at world level, Battocletti was determined not to let the moment pass her by.
She pushed the pace with 1km to go, with Hull striving to stay with her and USA’s Emily Mackay also in contention. At the bell, Hull led, but Battocletti produced a decisive kick on the back straight, surging away to take gold in 8:57.64.
Mackay edged past Hull to take silver by 0.06 seconds in 8:58.12.
