30.04.2007

Fearnley returns to winner's circle

One week after finishing second in a London Marathon nail-biter, Australian wheelchair champion Kurt Fearnley has rebounded impressively to claim the Seoul Marathon and a personal best in the process.

The 26-year-old clocked a time of 1:22.17, shattering the course record by three minutes, defending his 2006 crown and holding out the efforts of his Japanese counterparts and South African Ernst van Dyke.

Fearnley adds the South Korean-hub to his other 2007 marathon triumphs in South Africa, Los Angeles, Rome and Paris, though that stellar streak came to an end in London in a thrilling showdown with Brit David Weir.

And with judges forced to decide on a photo-finish, Fearnley had to wait more than two hours to confirm his victory.

“I was sure that I got there in front, only by a couple of inches, but I knew I got there,” he said.

“To have to wait that long brought in a few doubts but I’m glad the tape proved my victory.

“It’s the closest race I’ve been in and to push a course record and a PB after the workload I’ve had over the past couple of months is great.”

Fearnley will return to Europe for competition over May and June before testing the US courses again in July, where he has become a popular athlete since his triumph in the New York Marathon in November (pictured).

Courtesy AAP