I don't run anybody else's race. When the gun goes off, I must evaluate with my own body and see. Then, as the race develops, I run accordingly. So y… - Catherine Ndereba

Takahashi's run in Berlin made it so much easier for me. "It was like she broke a barrier. Before, women didn't think we could go under 2:20. In future, the next generation will run under 2:18. Maybe they will break 2:15 one day."

Covid-19 has taught us a lot of lessons. You might be very talented, yes, but at times, depending on circumstances, you may find yourself having nowhere to utilise your talent. It's been long since the athletes had a meaningful competition and this should serve as a lesson for the future.

If I had been able to run naked today, I would have. "Unfortunately I couldn't, because my daughter was here watching… She wouldn't like it if her mother was running without her clothes on."