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Four out of five for Donna
When Donna MacFarlane stands on the start line for the 3000m steeplechase at the World Championships in less than two months time, in the back of her mind will be the fact that she has won four of her last five international races.
In Lucerne, Switzerland overnight, MacFarlane won her favoured event, smashing the field by over 13 seconds to win in 9.32.90. Second place was Italian record holder Elena Ramagnolo (9:45.94) with Helen Clitheroe (9:50.62) of Great Britain third.
The Commonwealth Games bronze medallist was disappointed that no pacemaker turned up to lead her around the initial laps, so she ran hard from the gun and lead the whole way.
“It was disappointing not to run a personal best, but it was a good win,” MacFarlane said after her race.
The victory concludes a successful period of racing in Europe for the mother of two, where the best athletes in the world congregate every northern summer.
“The European campaign has gone well. I’m really looking forward to coming home to prepare for Osaka.”
A number of AIS athletes headed over to Europe last week to commence their preparations for August’s World University Games in Bangkok and World Championships in Osaka.
Lucerne set the scene for their first hit-out, with two-time national 200m champion Patrick Johnson looking to reach the speeds of 2005, which saw him make the 200m final in Helsinki. His 10.39 (-0.1) in the 100m and 20.71 in the 200m puts him in good stead.
Olympian Adam Miller who is looking to cement his place in the 4 x 100m team for Osaka, crossed the line in 10.40 (-0.1) for the 100m and 21.20 in the 200m.
Two-time national champion Brendan Cole finished fifth in 50.76 over the 400m hurdles whilst Commonwealth Games relay champions Mark Ormrod (46.55) and Clinton Hill (46.89) completed the one lap race in second and fifth positions.
Gary Bourne-coached high jumper Kane Brigg from Queensland reached 2.15 metres to finish third.
With thanks to Richard Welsh
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