SEINE-SAINT-DENIS, France — Iowa native Karissa Schweizer took to the track Friday for the start of her pursuit of a 2024 Paris Olympics medal.
Schweizer was joined in Heat 1 of the women's 5,000 meters by 20 other runners, with the top eight runners from each of the two heats advancing to the finals, which are Monday at 2:15 p.m. CT.
Schweizer finished eighth in her heat, qualifying for the medal round, with a time of 14:59.64. Her fellow Team USA runner Elise Cranny finished seventh, also qualifying, with a time of 14:58.55.
Faith Kipyegon of Kenya (14:57:56) won the first heat, followed by Gudaf Tsegay of Ethiopia (14:57:65) and Nadia Battocletti of Italy (14:57:65).
Who is Karissa Schweizer?
Schweizer grew up in Urbandale, Iowa and attended Dowling Catholic High School. From there, she went on to attend the University of Missouri where she won three national titles.
In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Schweizer placed 11th in the 5,000 meters and 12th in the 10,000 meters.
Despite her previous Olympics experience, qualifying again was anything but a sure thing for Schweizer.
During the 2022 World Championships, Schweizer sustained a calf and Achilles injury. The runner eventually underwent surgery in fall of 2023 and has been on the road to recovery ever since.
"Honestly I can't believe it," Schweizer told NBC after qualifying for Paris. "I've been down so many times and I honestly never thought I'd be really, truly back here. This is just such a confidence-booster for me."
Schweizer will also compete in the 10,000 meters in Paris.
Full start list for women's 5,000m finals
Listed by qualifying time
- Faith Kipyegon, Kenya (14:57.56)
- Sifan Hassan, Netherlands (14:57.65)
- Nadia Battocletti, Italy (14:57.65)
- Margaret Chelimo Kipkemboi, Kenya (14:57.84)
- Gudaf Tsegay, Ethiopia (14:57.84)
- Ejgayehu Taye, Ethiopia (14:57.97)
- Elise Cranny, USA (14:58.55)
- Karissa Schweizer, USA (14:59.64)
- Beatrice Chebet, Kenya (15:00.73)
- Medina Eisa, Ethiopia (15:00.82)
- Rose Davies, Australia (15:00.86)
- Karoline Bjerkeli Grovdal, Norway (15:01.14)
- Francine Niyomukunzi, Burundi (15:01.42)
- Whittni Morgan, USA (15:02.14)
- Nathalie Blomqvist, Finland (15:02.75)
- Joselyn Daniely Brea, Venezuela (15:02.89)