the 5000 metres at the summer olympics has been contested since the fifth edition of the multi-sport event. the men's 5000 m has been present on the olympic athletics programme since 1912. the 3000 metres was the first women's olympic long-distance track event, making its initial appearance at the 1984 olympics, and this distance was extended to match the men's event from 1996 onwards. it is the most prestigious 5000 m race at elite level. the competition format typically has two qualifying heats leading to a final between fifteen athletes.