News

Feb. 20, 2007 - GE Galan, Stockholm, Sweden

Another indoor pb for Hilary in Stockholm, 5th fastest time in World

Photo: www.iaaf.org

In closing out the indoor season, Stellingwerff runs an indoor personal best over 1500m for the second week in a row, at what was a sold-out crowd in Stockholm.

Over 10,000 people were in attendance at Tuesday night's DN Galan, which made for a spectacular atmosphere and outstanding performances. Hilary says both the enthusiastic crowd and competitive field were the key to her performance.

"There is a great sports culture in Sweden and it showed at this competition with the sold-out crowd. It made for a great atmosphere," said Hilary. "Since this meet is one of the last competitions before the European Indoors, I knew many of the Europeans were in top form and I saw this as a great competitive opportunity to run fast."

When the gun went off in the women's 1500m, the rabbit blazed to the front and set a fast early pace. Hilary followed fourth position and stuck to her plan to make a push to the front after 800m, which was lead in 2:10.

"I'm working on being a bit more gutsy in races because that's the only way to win medals, you have to take risks," said Hilary after the race. "After 800m I wanted to make sure I made a push and test myself, I had nothing to lose. So I really pushed myself in the middle of the race and tried not to worry about having something left at the end."

Hilary pushed herself up to third position and started chasing leaders Lidia Chojecka and Helen Clitheroe, who had made a small gap on the field. Although she was passed in the final lap by one competitor, Hilary's efforts got her a new pb of 4:09.96, good for 4th place and one and half seconds off the Canadian record. Her time also ranks 6th in the world for indoor 1500m and her overall ranking (indoor and outdoor performances) is 21st in the world.

For full results, click here.

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