Defar sets 3,000m indoor world record in Stuttgart
Posted February 4th, 2007 at 1:10 PM by Lisa Cieplechowicz
Section: News & Results, Track & Field
Ethiopia’s Meseret Defar has done it again; setting a new 3,000m indoor world record (8:23:72) at yesterday’s Sparkassen Cup in Stuttgart, Germany.
After falling short of her personal expectations last weekend, Defar emerged victorious in Stuttgart; breaking the previous record that was set last year by more than four seconds.
The race was very competitive as fellow Ethiopian Meselech Melkamu stayed with Defar until the end. She ultimately finished in 8:23.74; a very impressive indoor debut for Melkamu who is also a three-time World Cross Country medalist.
Although still disappointed with not breaking the record last week, Defar was very proud of Saturday’s results:
“I really was surprised by the time tonight. I was expecting something like 8:26. I think I could have run even faster—perhaps something like 8:20 - if I wasn’t forced to control myself with Melkamu in the race.”
Olga Komyagina, the pacemaker assigned to the competition, kept Defar and Melkamu on track and under 34 seconds for 1800 meters, at which point the Ethiopian pair set out on their own. The duo kept a fast pace throughout and finished the final 200m in 32.0.
Rounding out the top three was Britain’s Joanne Pavey (8:31:50). Her time qualified her as the number-two all-time European performer, ahead of such renowned runners as Elly van Hulst and Gabriella Szabo.
For a complete list of results: AOLSports
Source for more information: IAAFAthletics
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Tags: 3000m, meselech melkamu, Meseret Defar, Sparkassen Cup, Stuttgart, world record
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