Sarah Healy produced a sensational final surge to win the women’s 1500m at the Rome Diamond League on Friday night, capping off a dramatic race at the historic Stadio Olimpico.
The 23-year-old Irish star, fresh from a podium finish in Rabat two weeks ago, delivered a perfectly timed sprint over the final 50 metres to cross the line in a season’s best 3:59.17.
Australia’s Sarah Billings and Abbey Caldwell pushed Healy all the way in an electrifying finish. Billings momentarily took the lead on the final bend, with Caldwell following closely, but Healy showed incredible resolve to claw back in the final strides. Billings clocked a personal best of 3:59.24, while Caldwell also posted a lifetime best of 3:59.32, as both dipped under the elusive four-minute barrier.
The night, however, turned bittersweet for Kenya’s Susan Ejore, who had appeared in control heading into the final lap. Ejore made an early decisive move, surging to the front with 300 metres to go. But as the chasing pack closed in, she struggled to maintain her lead in the home straight, eventually finishing fifth.
For Healy, this Rome triumph marks another milestone in what’s shaping up to be an outstanding season. After clocking a personal best in the 3000m in Rabat and finishing third there, she has now added a Diamond League win to her résumé as she builds momentum toward the Paris Diamond League on 20 June.
