Hodgkinson responded by upping the pace to move into second place and then, as the race entered the home straight with 500m to go, made a subtle but absolutely decisive surge to the front. She is convinced that she only lost the world title last year to Moraa after giving up a potential move to the front and was not about to make the same mistake again. Having led the group at the bell in what for her was a comfortable 58.3sec, Hodgkinson had the race exactly where she wanted it.
Controlling the field
As Hodgkinson moved into a life-changing final lap, a high-speed game of poker ensued. The pre-race plan now involved the non-negotiable tactic of never again giving up the lead but, to maximise her chances of that, Hodgkinson could not strike too quickly.
Two relatively fast races in the previous three days would have had some impact on her legs and so what followed was a masterclass in controlled front-running that was reminiscent of how Seb Coe managed Steve Cram’s challenge in the Olympic 1500m final of 1984.
Moraa predictably moved up to her shoulder along the back straight but, sensing her presence, Hodgkinson again responded with a subtle change of pace. She also had the race-craft to just move into the middle of lane, forcing Moraa wider, but not leaving a gap for Duguma to make a surprise move on the inside.
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