byLarry Eder
Montano, Sinclair, Busienei, 2011 WC 800m, photo by PhotoRun.net
In an epic womens’ 800 meters, Mariya Savinova of Russia, the world leader at 800 meters, stayed back in sixth, and caught Caster Semenya on the last fifty meters of the 800 meters, winning in 1:55.87, a world leader.
400 meters in 55.5!, 2011 WC 800m, photo by PhotoRun.net
At that time Busienie had Alysia Johnson Montano as company, with Kenia Sinclair of Jamaica, one of the top winners at 800m this year. Montano finished fourth in 1:57.48, her seasonal best.
Caster Semenya, (Maggie Vessey), 2011 WC 800m final, photo by PhotoRun.net
As Montano and Sinclair began falling back, Semenya went alive and moved to the front. Savinova was on Semenya’s side and moved by, in the final stretch, running to victory.
Savinova, ready to pounce, 2011 WC 800m final, photo by PhotoRun.netMaggie Vessey of the US ran a smart race, finishing in sixth in 1:58.50. She just could not move up past sixth place. Kenia Sinclair finished in seventh in 1:58.66 and Yuliya Rusinova of Russia finished in eighth place in 1:59.74.
Savinova, Semenya, the battle is on, 2011 WC 800m, photo by PhotoRun.net
Mariya Savinova, 2011 WC 800m, gold medalist, photo by PhotoRun.netFor Mariya Savinova, this was a gold medal day. For Caster Semenya, there was some relief in medaling. For J.J. Busienie, the bronze medal was hard fought, as J.J. had taken the race out in a swift 55.5! Holding on must have been tortuous. The women’s 800 meter is changing. At 1:58.96 to make the final, Jenny Meadows of Great Britain did not make the final. The 800 meters for women seems to be changing once again.
For the fans, this was just a a great 800 meters to watch!
Busienie, Coach, Frederico Rosa (manager), 2011 WC 800m final, photo by PhotoRun.net Updated September 6, 2011
