Helen Clitheroe in the 1500m in Gent (© Nadia Verhoft)
Gent, BelgiumThere was another tough high jump battle on Belgian soil between Venelina Veneva and Tia Hellebaut at today’s KBC Indoor - IAAF Permit – meeting in Gent. This time the local favourite was beaten by the Bulgarian. Both cleared 1.98m.
The middle distance events were highlighted by an impressive run from Helen Clitheroe in the 1500m. The Briton posted a world indoor leading best performance of 4:09.28 after a solo effort. The 60 metres witnessed surprise victories for Kael Becerra (CHI) and Jeanette Kwakye (GBR).
Sore heel for Veneva - “a bit tired” Hellebaut
There was massive support again for Hellebaut from the local fans in the Topsporthal in Gent. Viktoriya Slivka-Klyugina had the best start of the competition, with a clean sheet until she required three attempts at 1.92m. The Russian then had three close failures at 1.95m. Veneva was struggling with her technique all the time, but once the bar was raised to 1.95m and 1.98m she passed at her first attempt.
“It is 25 days now that I’m not jumping in training, because my heel feels sore,” confirmed Veneva. “That’s why I needed to make so many adjustments during competition. Yes, I had a cold last week in Brussels and I’m still not entirely healthy now. But I love to compete here, I enjoyed the athmosphere very much and I wanted to give it my best. I’m truly happy to win here.”
Hellebaut again proved to be an exceptional competitor. She required three attempts to stay in the competition at both 1.95m and 1.98m and had a narrow miss on her third attempt at 2.01m. Hellebaut had to rely on sheer determination and that is what she did.
“It was a very busy week today, said Hellebaut. “There were award ceremonies on Tuesday and Thursday and, most of all, I trained very hard this week. From now on sights are set at the European Championships. I can’t afford to rest and be fresh for every single competition. So, I felt a bit tired today, but 1.98m is a very honest performance. I’m satisfied and I’m on schedule.”
Clitheroe wants to shine in Birmingham
“First of all I need to qualify for the championships. British interest is strong these days in the middle distance”, said Clitheroe after she lowered the world indoor leading performance in the women’s 1500m. She felt very comfortable with the pacemaking of Corinne Van Beek (NED) and could convincingly accelerate in a solo effort over the last 400m.
“I’ve been training very hard in the past months. This was only my first race and it was far from ideal, faster times will certainly follow. Of course I want to shine in front of my home crowd next month in Birmingham (European Indoor Champs).” Siham Hilali from Morocco had a very strong finish as well and she came in second in 4:10.91.
The men’s 1500m was won by Geoffrey Rono who took the lead with two laps to go. His young Kenyan compatriots Bernard Kiptum Kiptanui and Gilbert Kipchoge were not able to threaten Rono. His winning time was 3:40.82.
Successful 3000m trial for Moustaoui
Mohammed Moustaoui was entered for the 1500m, but he ultimately decided to switch to the 3000m. “I need more endurance work in this period. My main focus is on the 1500m at the World Championships in Osaka”, said the Moroccan. Moustaoui made things look easy. With 1000m to go he made a move that only Ahmed Beday and Mark Bett could respond to. But steady high pace caused both to drop off. Moustaoui finished in 7:46.82.
The men’s 800m went to Ismael Kombich. The young Kenyan withstood an attack from Dutchman Arnoud Okken at the 600m mark. “It was not a good race, this is my first appearance this winter and I need to get used to that. I can not judge my form now, it is too early to make any forecasts for the rest of the season.”
Becerra sprints close to South American 60m record
After the heats of the dash, the 60m final seemed likely to turn into a duel between Poland and Nigeria. Lukasz Chyla (POL) and Uchenna Emedolu (NGR) won their heats, while Dariuzs Kuc (POL) and Taiwo Bamidele (NGR) qualified amongst the runners up. But in the final Kael Becerra from Chile emerged as a surprise winner.
“This is only the second indoor season of my career,” said Becerra. “I dedicate this victory to my country, where athletics is not the most popular of sports. Probably I am the only athlete from Chile to appear at the international level. This victory is a surprise to me as well. I ran 6.68 the other day and that was already a new national record. Now I cut six more hundreds off that time.”
“My next target must be the South American record (6.60 – Vicente De Lima, Brasil). As an athlete you must be confident and believe in yourself. And train very hard. It is not because I come from Chile and that my skin is white, that I can not become a world class sprinter. It’s nice to be interviewed by the IAAF, that will promote athletics in my country.”
Hurtis-Houairi wants to reach her best level again
Muriel Hurtis-Houairi (FRA) and Dorota Dydo (POL) won their women’s 60m heat, but again in the final there was a surprise win from Jeannette Kwakye (GBR). Hurtis had a sluggish start in the final and couldn’t make up for that.
“I’ve been sick this week, with fever and bronchitis”, said Hurtis. “But I’m glad with the races that have run so far. I feel that I am able to run below 7.25 now. I hope to be ready for the European Indoor Championships. Yes, I definitely hope to reach my very best level again in the next years. I’m sure I will do so.”
Merlene Ottey, 46, came in fourth in 7.36, commenting after the race, “age doesn’t count. I’m always as hungry and as motivated as I’ve ever been. I set goals and I try to achieve them. That is what sports is all about. When the major championships arrive, I want to be in. Never count me out.”
The 60m Hurdles was won by Josephine Onyia (NGR) in 7.99. “I live in Spain and my PB is at 7.89. My form is great. What are my goals? I want to run 12.44 and become the best hurdler in the world”, said Onyia, laughing in excitement about her victory.
Belgian Hanna Mariën won the women’s 200m and she broke the national indoor record set by Kim Gevaert in 2000 with 5 hundreds to 23.61.
Pavlov confirms great form in the Pole Vault
The Pole Vault turned into a thrilling duel between Igor Pavlov (RUS) and Oleksandr Korchmid (UKR). The Ukranian always put the pressure on Pavlov, but when Pavlov cleared the bar at 5.76m, the game was over. Kenta Bell won the Triple jump with 16.89m, with Michael Velter finishing second with 16.65.
Ivo Hendrix for the IAAF
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