The Real Science of Sport Podcast Tokyo Day 9: Women's 800m Upset / Cole Hocker's Redemption Arc / Botswana Crash the USA Relay Parade
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Sep 21, 2025 The final day of Tokyo 2025 brought unexpected twists and triumphs. Lilian Odira stunned everyone by outpacing favorite Keely Hodgkinson to win the women's 800m, marking a historic first for Kenyan women. Cole Hocker redeemed himself in the men’s 5000m with a thrilling late surge. Relays were just as dramatic, showcasing U.S. dominance and a surprising twist from Botswana in the men's 4x400m. The hosts reflect on a week filled with surprises and unforgettable performances that shaped the championships.
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Americans Forced A Fast 5,000
- The men's 5000m saw American pacemakers push a genuinely aggressive middle phase to force a fast race.
- The tactic created a bunched, tactical finish that favoured 1500m-speed athletes.
Hocker's Redemption From Deep
- Cole Hocker sat well back then produced a devastating finishing sequence to take gold.
- He moved from about 12th at the bell to win using pure 1500m sprint speed.
Kenyan Women Dominated Distances
- Kenyan women swept all distance titles, an unprecedented national clean sweep at these championships.
- That contrasts with Kenyan men, highlighting a country-specific gender performance shift.