Rejuvenated Jemma Reekie is back mixing it with the world’s best – but had to settle for fifth place in Budapest in a thrilling Women’s 800m final.
The Scot missed out on the final in Oregon last summer after suffering from glandular fever earlier in the year.
But Jemma was in the hunt for the medal positions for much of the race on Sunday evening before the three pre-race favourites landed the podium moments.
Kenyan Mary Moraa took the gold in 1:56.03 with Keely Hodgkinson in second (1:56.34) and American Athing Mu, who had led until the home straight, forced to accept bronze (1:56.61).
Jemma clocked 1:57.71 for fifth place, by a single hundredth, and with those top three all posting times that are faster than the Scottish Record.
‘I am proud of the way I ran it,’ said Jemma, who is now coached by Jon Bigg.
‘I was brave and I went out, it was probably just a bit hot in the first lap. I am proud of the way I ran this season.
‘It was always going to be hard (change of coach). I was in the (previous) set-up before for a long time. You build those relationships up but Jon has made it as smooth as he can for me and we are excited for the future. I am loving working with him.
‘I really wanted to be up in those medals today but those girls are strong. I have got a lot of work to do but I reckon we can do it for next year.’
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Tags:
Budapest, Jemma Reekie, World Champs
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