LAURA MUIR claimed there is “a cloud” over the 1500metres final after Sifan Hassan blitzed the field.
Hassan ran an astonishing championship record time of 3min 51.95sec — the sixth-fastest time in history — to complete the 1500m and 10,000m double.
Laura Muir claimed there is ‘a cloud’ over the 1500m final after it was won by Sifan HassanCredit: AFP or licensors
It came less than a week after her disgraced coach Alberto Salazar was banned for four years for doping violations.
Hassan, 26, has not been accused of any wrongdoing and was not investigated by the US Anti-Doping Agency.
Muir, 26, came home fifth in a season’s best 3:55.76.
And asked for her reaction to Hassan’s stunning victory, the Brit said: “Given the news of the past couple of days, I think there is a cloud.
“There’s no avoiding that. But all you can do is focus on your performances and for me to do that kind of race out there, I’m really happy and I can take a lot of confidence from it.
“I’m not in it for the glory. We’re all in it for the medals and to run well and winning championships, just to enjoy the sport.
“For me, you have to stay focused and not let those things distract you.
“That’s what I did. I went into this final really focused.”
Muir came fifth in the final after running a season’s best timeCredit: AP:Associated Press
Hassan broke down in tears and swore on the BBC as she hit back at jibes over her association with Salazar.
She said: “It has been a hard week for me. I was so angry, I couldn’t talk to anyone.
“I ran all out. I wanted to show that hard work can beat everything.
“This makes me angry. I have been clean all my life.
“I have been such a good athlete since 2014. Now people start talking all this b******t. I am sorry for my language.”
The Ethiopian-born Dutch star romped home ahead of Kenyan defending champion Faith Kipyegon, who took silver in 3:54.22. Ethiopian Gudaf Tsegay was third in 3:54.38.
Muir, the European champion, delivered an impressive display given this was only her THIRD competitive race since hurting a calf in July at the Anniversary Games.
Her preparations were also hampered by a knee injury and stomach problems which curtailed her training schedule.
Hassan’s coach Alberto Salazar has been banned four years by the US Anti-Doping AgencyCredit: EPA
Once again, though, the Scot has missed out on a medal on the global stage.
Muir added: “Hopefully next year I’ll be fighting fit and 100 per cent going into the Olympics.
“If I can do that — and 3:55 is me unfit — I’d love to see what I can do if I’m 100 per cent. So I’m excited.”
Source: Athletics - thesun.co.uk
