Ruth Beitia in action in Paris World Champs (© Getty Images)
High jumper Ruth Beitia provided the highlight of the first day of the Spanish National indoor athletics championships as she added four centimetres to her own personal best.
“We have been working hard on approach speed this week and the fact is things could not have worked out better,'' said Beitia.
Her previous best stood at 1.96m and not only did she set a new indoor best, but she also became the first Spanish woman to break the 2-metre barrier.
“I have to confess I was not expecting it,'' added Beitia, who then set her sights on the World Indoor Championships.
“I hope to bring a medal back form Budapest; last year's experience in Paris was a great help.''
However, Beitia's was not the only record of the day in Valencia.
Carlota Castrejana set a new national indoor record by posting 14.37m in the Triple Jump and also looked ahead to Budapest.
“I hope to perform well there and reach the final,'' she said.
Meanwhile, shot putter Manuel Martinez won his 12th national title in shot put, showing he is back to form after last year's disappointments in the World Championships.
