Jamal holds on to take 1500 metres gold
Reuters India, India - September 2, 2007
Bahrain's Maryam Yusuf Jamal held on to claim her first world championship title with victory in a close-fought 1,500 metres final on Sunday.
The Ethiopian-born runner struck for home with 300 metres to go but Russian Yelena Soboleva stayed with her and Jamal needed every ounce of strength to hold her lead, crossing the line for gold in three minutes 58.75 seconds.
"I am extremely happy," the 22-year-old, who was born Zenebech Tola Eth, told reporters.
"This makes up for Helsinki when I was in good shape but I was pushed (and finished fifth). I'm certain if that hadn't happened, even if I hadn't won, I would have medalled."
Unlike many of the other African athletes who have flocked to represent Arabian Gulf states, Jamal turned to Bahrain only after being refused citizenship by Switzerland, where she had claimed political asylum.
"This will give me a lot of confidence for the Olympics," she added ...
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