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News07 Mar 1999


Women 4x400m relay

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Women 4x400

As they did in Paris two years ago, Russia’s 4x400 women broke the world indoor record to take victory in 3:24.25. As well as their gold medals, the athletes will earn a total of $110,000 - representing the IAAF Competition award and the $50,000 bonus offered by Mita, one of the IAAF’s official sponsors. Russia were well clear of the opposition for most of the race with Australia surprising both the USA and Germany to finish second in 3:26.87.1997 outdoor world champion Cathy Freeman was the anchor runner for Australia but she had been given a significant lead by her team mates Susan Andrews, Tanya VanHeer and Tamsyn Lewis. The USA finished in 3.27.59. Neither individual 400m winner Grit Breuer nor third placed Jearl Miles Clark ran in the relay.

Gold Medallist - RUSSIA
Natalya Nazarova (anchor leg): "I knew we were running fast but I didn't know it was that fast. The whole race was actually a lot easier than I thought. I saw the situation all the time from the big TV screen, so it was quite easy for me to run."

Silver Medallist - AUSTRALIA
Cathy Freeman: "I am on the come back trail. There were many times when I didn't think that I would have ever get back into competition. That's the problem, it's all in my mind, if you leave this type of arena for too long, it's difficult to return.
I am so excited, I'm back! I had the support of my team mates and so the relay was the perfect opportunity to convince myself I still had it (competitive ability). I am just glad to be part of the international scene again!"

Bronze Medallist - UNITED STATES
PORTER, Anchor leg speaking for the team: "Zundra (Feagin-Alexander) ran really well and I'm honored to be part of this team. We had four determined, strong women. Look out for us in the future, there is more to come. We have a very young team and we put it together when it counted!"