News

Feb. 18, 2009 - DN Galan, Stockholm, Sweden

A step forward

With several athletes aiming to hit standards to qualify for European Indoor Championships in two weeks, the competitive atmosphere in Stockholm was high. The highlight of the evening, however, did not come from a European athlete, but from Ethiopia’s Meseret Defar who broke the World 5000m Record by only fractions of a second.

In the women’s 1500m, Hilary returned to one of her favourite racing venues, where she ran her personal best two years, at the GE Galan Globe. Although she didn’t set another record, she did take a positive step forward from last week.

“I have to admit that I was a bit cautious going into tonight’s race after being sick last week and not really knowing what to expect from myself,” said Hilary.

The pace was set around 4:08, although slowing in the end, Sonja Roman was still the clear winner in 4:10.92. Hilary led the chase pack for most of the race and battled to the finish with two athletes from Portugal and Sweden. She ended up 4th in 4:16.60 with the other two girls secured their spot for European Championships.

“In retrospect, I regret not trying to go out with Sonja just to see where I’m at because I feel my strength is good, but I am lacking the finishing kick so a fast pace is probably better,” said Hilary. “But, like I said, I was too timid and as a result have to take this time for now. I am happy to be on my way to recovery from being sick and excited to get ready for outdoors.”

Stockholm concluded Hilary’s indoor season. She will begin her outdoor training in Flagstaff, Arizona at an altitude camp and test her fitness starting with a race in California in May. Hilary’s main focus of the outdoor season will be to qualify for the World Championships in Berlin, Germany in August.

See full results of Stockholm here.

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