Women’s 3000m
Gabriela Szabo completed an amazing double today to confirm her status as the female Gebrsleassie. Her victory in the 3000m - achieved in 8:36.42 - was also the fourth fastest time ever. Yet the Romanian crossed the line with a smile on her face and promptly conducted a television interview. Szabo was pushed ... at least until the last lap ... by Morocco’s Zahra Oaziz but once she had unleashed her final sprint the race was over. The Romanian scorched around the last lap in 30.52, as Oaziz held on for second. Bronze went to Regina Jacobs - who set a national record into the bargain. Szabo also earned a healthy $100,000 - IAAF competition awards for two victories - not bad for a weekend’s work.
Gold Medallist - SZABO Gabriela (ROM)
"How could things be better. One gold is great, two in a championships now that
is remarkable. Look, even the time is excellent. This is a lot of running to do in a
couple of days and so all I have to concentrate now on is rest, rest, and more rest. Then
of course I will prepare myself for Seville. I couldn't be more happy at this
moment."
Silver Medallist - OUAZIZ Zahra (MAR)
"Only two weeks ago I had a bad illness a heavy cold or flu. The flight over here
was very long and this increased my feeling of tiredness. With this background I can only
be satisfied with my medal and look for gold in Seville."
Bronze Medallist - JACOBS Regina (USA)
"It's awesome winning a medal here. And the American record is great to have.
It's funny, when you are running a time against the clock, it might be really hard, but
now it was really easy. It was my goal to get a medal in next three years.
She (Szabo) is awesome. I have got to get in a shape to run against her."
