FROM THE IAAF WEBSITE, AN EYE-WITNESS REPORT
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Pospelova runs 49.96 400m heat - Russian Championships, Day One
Monday 11 July 2005
Tula, Russia - These national championships, which are the 15th edition in the history of modern Russia are taking place at the best stadium in the country in the ancient Russian city of Tula. More then 900 athletes from 75 regions are taking part in the competitions: it’s a record for the Russian national championships.
Ryabinkina is a new leader among Russian shot putters
Olga Ryabinkina proved that she is the best Russian female shot putter once more, winning the gold medal with a best attempt of 19.60. The worst effort in her good series was 18.86m. The two other medallists were left far behind. Oksana Chibisova took the silver medal (18.62), and Olga Ivanova got the bronze (18.12).
The reigning World gold medallist Svetlana Krivelyova didn’t participate in the tournament. But as defending champion is likely to take part in Helsinki as the IAAF rules allow so under the discretion of the national federation.
Yuliya Pechonkina (RUS)
(AFP/Getty Images)
The men’s Shot Put was dominated by Ivan Ushkov who put 20.57, with Pavel Sofyin in second (20.05) and Pavel Chumachenko, third, 19.90.
It’s a pity Isinbayeva was not here
According to the decision of the Russian Coaches’ Council the many time World record holder Yelena Isinbayeva is already included in the national team for the World Championships without having to compete here. The reigning World champion Svetlana Feofanova is also in the selection but is unlikely to go to Helsinki because she is injured.
In their absence it was Tatyana Polnova who won the womne’s Pole Vault with a result of 4.50m. The silver medallist Yuliya Golubchikova cleared 4.40 setting her personal best but unfortunately it was 5 cm lower then the IAAF “A” standard. Aleksandra Kiryashova and Yelena Belyakova both cleared 4.20. Kiryashova who is 9 years younger then her opponent won third place on count-back.
Igor Peremota won the men’s 110m Hurdles – 13.51. Alas, the two other medallists were not at their best – Yakov Petrov clocked 13.81 and Pavel Onischenko – 13.92.
Olga Kotlyarova (RUS)
(AFP/Getty Images)
Tough women’s 100m battle
The battle for the 1st place in women’s 100m was tough. In the semi-finals Marya Bolikova clocked 11.20, which is the best result among Russian sprinters this summer. But she lost in the final to Olga Fedorova, whose 11.25 turned out to be enough for the gold medal. Bolikova finished 2nd (11.26), and Larisa Rruglova was 3rd (11.33).
In men’s 100m final, Andrei Epishin and Aleksandr Smirnov both clocked 10.32. The winner was determined by photofinish. The bronze went to Aleksandr Ryabov – 10.35.
Women’s 400m heats – 49.96
the women’s 400m is always one of the main attractions of Russian national championships, and yesterday 8 athletes ran better than 52 seconds! The best result was the 49.96 which was clocked by Svetlana Pospelova. The 8th best result of the day that permitted athletes to participate in the final was 51.74!
In men’s 400m, all future finalists made it through with times better then 47 seconds. The best result in the heats was clocked by Yevgeniy Lebedev – 46.30.
Pechonkina runs 53.31 Hurdles heat
In women’s 400m Hurdles, Yuliya Pechonkina again demonstrated her powerful dominance, clocking 53.31 in one of the heats. The best time clocked by a man at the same distance in the heats belonged to Mikhail Lypskiy – 50.32.
Women’s 800m final will be a real show – 3 below 2mins
More then 50 athletes contested the opening rounds of the women’s 800m, and 3 marvellous runners made it through with times better then 2 minutes. Olga Kotlyarova clocked he best time of 1:59.40, with Larisa Chzhao the second quickest (1:59.40) and Svetlana Cherkasova, the third fastest (1:59.72).
There were another 5 runners who qualified with times better than 2:01. One can only imagine what a battle it will be in the final.
Rostislav Orlov and NickoIai Dolgopolov for the IAAF