She Was Running a Different Race · Women's 5000m Final

What does it take to break a championship record in front of a roaring home crowd? The Women's 5000m Final at the EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS in Roma had every ingredient — a deep, unpredictable field, dangerous finishers at every position, and a pace that no one could afford to misjudge. Among the 22 starters, Karoline Bjerkeli Grøvdal arrived fresh off a stunning personal best in Oslo. Marta García had been sharp all season. Nadia Battocletti ran for Italy in front of the Stadio Olimpico — and the atmosphere was electric before the gun even fired.