Pentathlon
The track programme of the World Indoor Championships began – in twitchy fashion – with the 60m hurdles event of the women’s Invitation Pentathlon . After two false starts by Remiglia Nazaroviene (LIT) – combined event athletes are disqualified after three – and another by Nathalie Teppe of France, the athletes finally got away cleanly. Fastest away from the blocks were Poland’s Urszula Wlodarczyk (POL) and Mona Steigauf (GER) but they were run down after the final hurdle by the burly American LaShundra (Dee Dee) Nathan. She went on to dominate the competition for the rest of what was a long day. She set personal bests in the remaining four events - 1.86m (high jump); 15.10m (shot); 6.24m (long jump); and 2:18.98 (800m) winning the first three disciplines. Her final score of 4,753 was a national record. Russia's Irina Belova, finished strongly with a 6.45m long jump and a 2:09.29 800m to total 4,691 points. Her final event enabled her to overtake Urszula Wlodarczyk of Poland who finished with 4,596 points.
Gold Medallist - NATHAN LaShundra (USA)
"I came into the Championships feeling very strong, thinking if God wants me to
win, I will win. So I want to thank God above everyone else. I managed to set a personal
best in every single event. I still think that I have a lot left in me. I want to race a
few more years before I retire. In fact I want to win the World outdoor Championships, as
well as the PANAM Games. I feel that is my destiny."
Silver Medallist - BELOVA Irina (RUS)
"This was like a training session for me. Yes, I was serious. I took it hard but
not too hard. I think I lost the gold in the high jump where I jumped only 1.74. My record
is as good as 1.93. After that I didn't have much of a chance to win."
Bronze Medallist - WLODARCZYK Urszula (POL)
"I am a little disappointed, I was expecting more. My goal for the year is to do
well in Seville, and I am dreaming of a gold or silver medal."
