Italy breaks Africa's dominance in 10,000 m podium, wins silver in Paris

For three straight Olympics, nobody born outside of Africa had even come close to finishing on the podium in the women's 10,000 meters.

Italy's Nadia Battocletti ended that streak Friday night at the Paris Games, claiming silver in an event that had come to be dominated by Kenyans, Ethiopians and runners from those countries representing other nations.

Battocletti first served notice of her potential when she swept the 5,000 and the 10,000 at a home European Championships in June. But, there were no Africans in Rome.

During the 5,000 at these Games, when Battocletti finished fourth, the Africans realized how competitive she was.

Battocletti crossed fourth in that race, then was upgraded to bronze when Kenya's Faith Kipyegon was disqualified for trading elbows with Gudaf Tsegay before Kipyegon had her bronze restored on appeal.

After the 5,000, they started greeting me, appreciating me. I received lots of compliments from the Kenyan and Ethiopian girls, Battocletti said.

I imagine