The women’s 1500m at the Tokyo Worlds seems to have hit a rough patch. With top contenders like Sifan Hassan already out and several others pulling out at the last minute, the field has opened up dramatically. Adding to the twist, Diribe Welteji now finds herself under scrutiny by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), with her case appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Caught in this legal loop, she could face suspension, further shaking up the competition. As a result, Team USA’s chances of securing its first medal in the event since 2017 have suddenly grown stronger.

The last time Team USA secured a medal in the 1500m was at the 2017 London World Championships, when Jenny Simpson clocked 4:02.76 to take silver behind Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon, who won in 4:02.59. Since then, the Americans have been shut out of the podium in this event. However, with several top contenders reportedly pulling out this year, the door might finally be open for Team USA to break that drought.

Big names have stepped away from the 1500m this year. Beatrice Chebet is focusing on the 5000m and 10,000m, while Britain’s Georgia Hunter-Bell shifts her sights to the 800m. Gudaf Tsegay will also contest the longer distances instead of defending her spot in the 1500m. Meanwhile, Diribe Welteji faces uncertainty amid administrative issues, leaving her participation in doubt. Still, all eyes remain on reigning champion Faith Kipyegon, who is determined to defend her crown.

With so many top names pulling out, Team USA suddenly has a real shot at ending its long medal drought. Nikki Hiltz, Sinclaire Johnson, and Emily Mackay will be leading the charge in the 1500m. Last year, Johnson and Hiltz both finished 11th in the semifinals, while Faith Kipyegon struck gold, Diribe Welteji claimed silver, and Sifan Hassan took bronze.

Now with the field wide-open, all eyes are on the Americans—but how strong has their season really been?

Team USA’s beacons of hope: Nikki Hiltz, Sinclaire Johnson, and Emily Mackay

Sinclaire Johnson’s 2025 season has been a tale of experimentation. The American dazzled on the global stage by breaking the U.S. mile record in London with a breathtaking 4:16.32. She carried the same spirit at the Prefontaine Classic, clocking a thundering 3:56.93 in the 1500m, placing her 6th and setting her up for the World Athletics Championships. In the indoors, she proved her grit at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, fighting her way to 6th place with a 4:04.07 in a loaded final at the 1500 Metres Short Track. She appears strong just before the Championships.

Well, if we talk about Nikki Hiltz, then their season has been nothing but phenomenal, starting indoors, where they swept US indoor titles — taking the 3,000m in 8:48.28 and the 1,500m in 4:05.76. After their amazing performance at the Indoors, they dropped another jaw-dropping performance, clocking 1:58.23 PB in the 800m at Kingston. In addition to that, at the outdoor circuit, Hiltz clocked a blistering 3:55.96 for 5th at the Brussels Diamond League, taking the crown there as well. All in all, their season has been going amazingly, and they have a chance of clinching the medal this season, but what about Emily MACKAY?

Emily Mackay’s 2025 season has been a whirlwind of speed, strategy, and daring moves. Her 3rd-place finish at the USA Outdoor Championships, clocking 4:04.38 in the 1500m, secured her spot on Team USA for the World Championships in Tokyo. With all three athletes performing strongly this season, Team USA’s medal chances have surged, but the competition remains fierce. What’s your take on their prospects?