So close for Jamieson
21/08/2008 10:36 PM
Veteran middle distance runner Sarah Jamieson has narrowly missed making the final of the women's 1500m, missing the nine-woman medal decider by just one place.
Jamieson finished fifth in a time of 4 min 06.64 seconds in the first heat, which was won by Bahrain's Maryam Jamal in a smart time, meaning she was in with a shot of getting through as one of the three fastest non-direct qualifiers.
The second heat was much slower time with the winner recording 4:13.60, raising hopes for Jamieson. But the third heat was fastest of the lot, with Kenya's Nancy Lagat powering home in 4:03.02.
The fourth and fifth runners, Shannon Rowbury and Anna Alminova were both quicker than the Australian meaning she missed out on the final by one spot.
Jamieson made an early move to sit up outside the pace and fought on gallantly in the final stages but it just wasn't enough.
"I got super tired, basically," Jamieson said. "My kick isn't my strength and it is tough to have people run out from behind you."
"You play a dangerous game, I guess, but I'm happy though."
Australia's other participant in the event, Lisa Corrigan, tried similar tactics in the second heat but faded late in the race to finish with a time of 4:16.32.