Eunice Jepkoech Sum of Kenya entered the competition as the defending champion and also as the world-leading athlete for the season with her time of 1:56.99 minutes.[2][3]
In the final it was the same three players, Arzamasava holding the lead through the final turn, with Sum looking for a way to run around her. With Sum moving to the outside, Arzamasava drifted out, opening a gap on the inside which Bishop moved in to occupy. It was three abreast down the home stretch but Arzamasava never relinquished the lead, Bishop unable to get ahead on the inside and Sum just slightly behind them both.[4]
Records
Prior to the competition, the records were as follows:[5]