APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) World 1500 metres silver medallist Freweyni Hailu from Ethiopia won the women’s mile at the World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold meeting in Ostrava, Czech Republic.
Hailu on Tuesday set a meeting record and a world leading time of 4:17.36. Hirut Meshesha while another Ethiopian and the World Indoor bronze medalist Hirut Meshesha finished second in 4:19.53.
“I am very happy with my performance today. I won a medal at the last World Indoor Championships. This time I am planning to run the 1500 metres and I am ready for it,” Freweyni Hailu said after the race.
The Czech Indoor Gala, this season’s second World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold event witnessed a series of exceptional performances, notably Freweyni Hailu’s remarkable feat that elevated her to sixth place in the women’s mile short track all-time rankings.
Freweyni formed part of a four-strong breakaway group behind the pacemaker in Ostrava and waited until four laps were remaining to make a move.
She eased to the fore as the pacemaker stepped aside and only her compatriot Meshesha, the world indoor 1500m bronze medalist, could stick with her.
Ostrava hosted its first meeting as part of the tour’s top tier following the World Indoor Tour Gold season opener in Astana on Saturday.
MG/abj/APA