Published: 25/02/2010 14:54 -
Updated: 25/02/2010 17:40
ANDREW Osagie took a huge step forward in his promising athletics career by qualifying for the 800m
at next month’s World Indoor Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar.
In finishing third in his race while up against top international opponents, Osagie, of Northbrooks, Harlow, beat his
personal best time in front of a capacity crowd at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham on Saturday.
at next month’s World Indoor Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar.
In finishing third in his race while up against top international opponents, Osagie, of Northbrooks, Harlow, beat his
personal best time in front of a capacity crowd at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham on Saturday.
Osagie, who celebrated his 22nd birthday the day before the race, turned in his most outstanding performance to date at the AVIVA
Grand Prix, crossing the finish line in 1 min 47.71 secs, just behind winner Marcin Lewandowski (1:47.50) of Poland and Kenya’s
Richard Kiplagat (1:47.55).
As soon as he crossed the line and saw his time Osagie danced a Usain Bolt-like jig of joy. He was then interviewed track side live on
BBC Television, which was covering the event.
He later received treatment for a nasty gash on his shin caused by a runner in front of him, but the pain was dulled by his superb showing.
Speaking after the race, Osagie, who won the 800m at the British Championships the week before in
Sheffield, told the Star: “This is a massive milestone in my life and it’s definitely my biggest event yet indoors.
“I got loads of good luck messages from my team-mates at Harlow Athletic Club, wishing me all the best and it’s been great
to have that.
to have that.
"I’ve had lots of injuries in the past but now it’s all coming together – it’s been a long time coming!
“I always knew I had this sort of performance in me, I just went out attacking from the first lap and it paid off.
“Everyone’s talking about how competing in Doha will be a good experience for me, but I’m always
looking to win medals.
“I suppose I’ve got to be realistic though, but I’ll be chasing a place in the final."
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