News14 Apr 2012


Great 800m duel set for Ostrava - IAAF World Challenge

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Caster Semenya of South Africa crosses the finish line ahead of Ekaterina Kostetskaya of Russia to win her women's 800 metres semi final (© Getty Images)

Ostrava, Czech Republic - The51st Golden Spike of Ostrava on 25 May, which is an IAAF World Challenge meeting will witness a duel between two of the mosty successful women’s 800m runners of recent years.


Kenya’s Pamela Jelimo, the reigning Olympic champion who returned to top form last month when capturing the World Indoor title champion will compete against 2009 World champion and Daegu silver medalist Caster Semenya of South Africa.


The legendary Maria Mutola is the meet record holder with 1:57.72 (2004) and will attend the race was she is the coach of Semenya.


“My training is going well, we have this weekend our nationals. I hope to be ready for a fast time at the time of Ostrava,” commented Semenya.


They last met at last year’s Samsung Diamond League meeting in Eugene, where Semenya was second (1:58.88) while Jelimo in her only race of 2011 finished 11th (2:09.12).


This time in Olympic year both should arrive to Czech Republic in good shape and ready for top times. Semenya is running today (14) at the South African nationals in Port Elizabeth.


NOTE - A full report from the RSA championships will follow on the IAAF website.


Organisers for the IAAF


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