The Real Science of Sport Podcast Tokyo Day 1: Women's 10000m and Mixed 4 x 400m
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Sep 13, 2025 The first day of track and field events at the Tokyo Olympics sparked excitement as gold medals were chased in the women's 10,000m and mixed 4x400m relay. The analysis dives into tactical maneuvers, highlighting how pacing decisions shaped the outcomes. There’s a thrilling recap of standout performances, and the hosts look forward to the women's marathon amidst concerns of heat. With upcoming races on the horizon, they share predictions and insights into potential champions, making for an engaging conversation.
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Mid-Race Surge Decided The 10,000m
- The women's 10,000m was tactically dense with a slow opening and a decisive mid-race surge that fragmented the field.
- Beatrice Chebet used a sustained faster middle tempo to negate rivals' strengths and set up an unbeatable final kick.
Cooperation Shaped The Finish
- Chebet and Ngetich effectively cooperated mid-race to prevent Tsegai turning the race into a 1500-style finish she preferred.
- That sustained tempo hurt Tsegai's plan and left Chebet in prime position to use her extraordinary snap kick.
Snap Kick Trumps 1500m Strength
- Chebet's finishing speed is historically exceptional, executing a 27.3s closing 200m to win.
- Tsegai lacked the flat-out top-end to match that snap kick even though she is the superior 1500m runner.