Athletics_at_the_2000_Summer_Olympics_–_Women's_800_metres
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The Women's 800 metres at the 2000 Summer Olympics as part of the athletics programme was held at Stadium Australia on Friday 22 September, Saturday 23 September, and Monday 25 September 2000.[1]
The top two runners in each of the initial five heats automatically qualified for the semi-final. The next six fastest runners from across the heats also qualified for the semi-final.
The top three runners in each semi-final automatically qualified for the final. The next two fastest runners from across the heats also qualified for the final.
There were a total number of 39 participating athletes.
In the final, Helena Fuchsová took her lane 1 position out to the lead, with Brigita Langerholc sweeping across the track from lane 8 to shut the door on Hazel Clark and the rest of the pack. Fuchsova held the lead through a 55.04 first lap and on to 600 metres in 1:25.5. Behind her the pack scrambled for position with Kelly Holmes on Fuchsova's shoulder. Holmes, then Maria Mutola, then Stephanie Graf all passed on the final turn. On the final straightaway, Mutola rans strong on the outside, advancing past Holmes, with Graf sprinting past for silver. Four years later, it would be reversed, with Holmes running past Mutoloa on the final straight.
