Not because of Hiwot 's fifth - place finish in 9 : 12.98 , but .
Hiwot 's team - mate Sofia Assefa became the first Ethiopian woman to medal in this relatively new addition to Olympic athletics programme .
Not because of Hiwot 's fifth - place finish in 9 : 12.98 , but because her team - mate Sofia Assefa became the first Ethiopian woman to medal in this relatively new addition to Olympic athletics programme .