Maggie Vessey finished sixth in the women’s 800 meters in the World Champs in Daegu, Korea this year. That she made it to that final showed not only her talent but the potential that Maggie possesses.
One of the most mercurial of middle distance runners in the US, Vessey ran a smart US nationals and in the World Champs, semi-finals, ran the perfect race, finishing second in 1:58.98, making the final, while, in the same semi final, Jenny Meadows, Great Britain’s top 800 meter runner, finished in third in 1:59.07, and did not advance.
The final was epic. A fast early pace, with the leaders hitting the 400 meters in 55.4, lead by Janeth Jepkosgie Busienei! And no one stopped! Caster Semenya, who had stayed back from the leaders, went into the lead, passing Busienei, looking like the winner. With less than fifty meters to go, Mariya Savinova went by Semenya and took the gold, running 1:55.87!
Maggie, who was near the back of the pack, stayed close and tried to attack, moving from eighth to sixth, but no closer. Vessey ran 1:58.50 for sixth place, her seasonal best.
The 800 meters continues to change for women. Vessey has great 400 speed, and has raced well this year, staying in the races through 600 meters, as her last 200 meters is one of the fastest in her event. ” For Maggie to win, she has to be in it at 600 meters, ” noted one keen observer.
With a personal best of 1:57.84, we look forward to seeing what Maggie Vessey will do in 2012!
