US' Nikki Hiltz, New Zealand's Maia Ramsden and Britain's Georgia Bell react after the women's 1500m heat of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on 6 August, 2024. Photo: Jewel Samad / AFP
US-based Kiwi runner Maia Ramsden had an Olympic debut she won't forget in a hurry.
The 22-year-old grabbed some headlines when she made a dramatic dip on the finishing line of her 1500m heat, grabbing sixth place and edging out an Irish runner who had been ahead of her.
Ramsden finished in 4:02.83, just outside her personal best but enough to make the semi-finals which the Harvard University student will contest on Saturday morning (New Zealand time).
She told First Up the first shock she experienced was the noise at the Stade de France in Paris.
The reception for the athletes as they entered the track was unlike anything she has ever experienced.
While the All Blacks might be used to massive crowds, it was not typical of the average athletics event, she said.
"The crowd was just so crazy ... It was like a shock, and then it was very cool."
Ramsden was also in awe that she ran in the same heat as Faith Kipyegon from Kenya who is the current Olympic champion and world recordholder for both the 1500m and the mile.
"She's just so good and she's beloved I think, especially in the 1500."
Faith Kipyegon, of Kenya won silver in the 5000m at the Paris Olympics this week. Photo: AFP
The Kiwi was inspired by photos she saw when Kipyegon first broke the 1500m world record. All her fellow athletes picked her up.
"She's grinning and they're all grinning and she's one of those people that makes others feel like they're part of her success.
"She's a mother ...she's just a very cool figure in the sport."
It was "a very cool moment" and unforgettable for Ramsden before the race started when the pair exchanged smiles.
As for her plans for the semifinal Ramsden said she believed she was in "the shape of my life" so was resetting her goals to try and make the final.
"It's going to be a lot harder. I hope that in four years it's a really achievable goal but this year it's probably a reach goal. But I still think I need to have it ...anything can happen ...we'll see how fast it goes and give it my best go."
Ramsden is partial to burgers but they're off the menu for now although she admitted she did enjoy some chips after her first race.
