<23.09.07> - Donna MacFarlane seventh at World Athletic Final
23 Sep 2007
Media Release
Saturday, 22 September 2007
Athletics Tasmania Athlete of the Year, Donna MacFarlane has finished seventh in the 3000m Steeplechase at the World Athletic Final in Stuttgart, Germany.
MacFarlane instantly ensured there was no repeat of Osaka, as she made her way to the front of the pack in the invitation only event, sitting second in the early stages of the race on the shoulder of Yekaterina Volkova, the winner of the world championships in Osaka last month.
The race was a tactical one from the outset, with no designated pacemakers, they strolled through the 1000m checkpoint in 3.16.11 and 2000m in 6.29.65.
Bronze medalist from Osaka, Eunice Jepkorir of Kenya, lead at the bell with MacFarlane still in contention at the back of the pack. Jepkorir ran away with the victory recording 9.35.03 in a sprint to the line as MacFarlane ran gallantly to the finish overtaking two competitors to place seventh in 9.41.77.
The Australian Champion has one final race for her international season where she will toe the line in the 3000m on day two of the World Athletics Final in Stuttgart today.
Fellow Australian’s performed with varied results in Stuttgart. Pick of the bunch was Australian 1500m record holder Sarah Jamieson who came third, running 4.05.43 to finish her season on a high. Distance running comrade Craig Mottram lined up in the 3000m, recording fourth in the same time of 7.49.89 as his training partner, Mo Farrah of Great Britain who was awarded third place after viewing the photo finish.
In the 100m Hurdles, Sally McLellan was controversially disqualified, along with two others, which left only five athletes to run the race.
Joining MacFarlane on day two in Stuttgart are Craig Mottram (5000m), Jana Rawlinson (400m Hurdles) and Steve Hooker (Pole Vault) as the Australian’s will be aiming to take home the $US30,000 first prize in each event.
For up to date results, visit www.iaaf.org and for more information on Australian results, visit www.athletics.com.au.
Further details, please contact Richard Welsh on 0409 820 248.
End of release.
