News14 Jun 2004


The best long jumpers to star in Rome Golden Gala as Mori takes on Sanchez

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Eunice Barber wins the long jump final (© Getty Images)

A myriad of World Athletics stars will gather in Rome for the Golden Gala, second leg of the TDK Golden League circuit, next 2 July.

Most impressive is the line-up in the women’s Long Jump contest which promises to offer an exceptional competition with the Roman crowd cheering on local favourite former World champion Fiona May.

The Italian champion will face stiff opposition from her Russian counterparts Tatyana Kotova, European champion and silver medallist in Paris last summer, and Tatyana Lebedeva, double World Indoor champion at Long and Triple Jump.

Also confirmed in the field are reigning World champion Eunice Barber of France and India’s Anju Bobby George who was a superb third in Paris.

The men’s 400m Hurdles should also offer a thrilling duel with double World champion Felix Sanchez of the Dominican Republic chasing his second Golden League win of the year.

Great Britain’s Chris Rawlinson who came close to upsetting Sanchez in Bergen will also start in Rome and will most certainly aim at taking his revenge. Jamaica’s Danny McFarlane and Greece’s Periklis Iacovakis, bronze medallist in Paris, should also be in contention for the win.

The older 400m Hurdles generation will be represented in Rome by European record holder Stéphane Diagana of France and former World champion Fabrizio Mori of Italy who are both aiming at reclaiming their best shape.

Golden League Jackpot contenders Christian Olsson (SWE) and Virgilijus Alekna (LIT) will also try and defend their chances of sharing the "one million dollars". They will face Yoandri Betanzos of Cuba and Leevan Sands of Bahamas – silver and bronze medallists in Paris and Robert Fazekas of Hungary, 2003 World silver medallist.

For more information www.goldengala.it


 

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