the 1500 metres at the summer olympics has been contested since the first edition of the multi-sport event. the men's 1500 m has been present on the olympic athletics programme since 1896. the women's event was not introduced until over seventy years later, but it has been a permanent fixture since it was first held in 1972. it is the most prestigious 1500 m race at elite level. the competition format comprises three rounds: a heats stage, semi-finals, then a final typically between twelve athletes.