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Rio Olympics 2016: Jenny Simpson first American woman to medal in 1,500

The women's 1,500 meters has had a relatively short and tumultuous Olympic lifespan, but neither would take away from Jenny Simpson's accomplishment.

Simpson made a late pass to win bronze in Tuesday's final in Rio, becoming the first U.S. woman to medal in the event. The 29-year-old turned in a time of 4 minutes, 10.53 seconds, well below her personal best but plenty good enough to make history.

Faith Chepngetich Kipyegon of Kenya won gold (4:08.92) in an upset of Ethiopia's Genzebe Dibaba, the women's 1,500 world-record holder, who settled for silver in 4:10.27.

Simpson joined fellow American Shannon Rowbury, who clocked in in fourth place (4:11.