Maryam Yusuf Jamal of Bahrain, the gold medallist in 2009, had the two fastest times of the year prior to the competition. American Morgan Uceny entered as the Diamond League leader and her compatriot Shannon Rowbury (bronze in 2009) was also present. The 2010 World Indoor champion Kalkidan Gezahegne, Russia's Ekaterina Gorbunova and Btissam Lakhouad of Morocco completed the top four fastest runners that year.Rowbottom, Mike (2011-08-22). Women's 1500m – PREVIEW . IAAF. Retrieved on 2011-08-24. Other prominent entrants included 2008 Olympic champion Nancy Jebet Langat, 2009 runner-up Lisa Dobriskey and world indoor medallists Natalia Rodríguez and Gelete Burka.Waindi, James (2011-08-17). Daegu gold is mine. The Standard. Retrieved on 2011-08-24.
