Tomescu of Romania celebrates winning the Women’s Marathon Final. (Photo Credit:Getty Images)
(BEIJING, August 17) — Romanian Constantina Tomescu crossed the finish line of the Women’s Marathon to claim the title at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2 hours 26.44 minutes on August 17.
Constantina Tomescu crossing the finish line of Women’s Marathon. (Photo Credit:Guo Dayue/Xinhua)
“It was a great performance. I’m very happy to win a medal, but especially the gold. At the World Championships in Canada (2005 World Half-Marathon Championships), everybody said I couldn’t run, but I showed today what I can do,” said the victor.
“The gold medal, for me, it is great,” Tomescu added.
World champion Catherine Ndereba of Kenya came in second, clocking 2 hours 27.06 minutes, adding another silver to her success from Athens 2004.
“I feel great, and feel good for the win. In fact, I’m very happy,” said Ndereba.
“To win a silver in my second Olympics, I can’t take that for granted,” she continued.
Catherine Ndereba celebrates second place in the Women’s Marathon. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
Zhou Chunxiu of China, silver medalist at the 2007 World Championships, ran a time of 2 hours 27.07 minutes to take bronze ahead of her compatriot Zhu Xiaolin, who completed the event in 2 hours 27.16 minutes.
The world record of 2 hours 15.25 minutes in this event was set by Paula Radcliffe from Great Britain in 2003.
(Source: en.beijing2008.cn)
