News10 Dec 2013


USA’s World middle-distance medallists to star in Boston

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USA's Jenny Simpson on her way to a comfortable victory (© Victah Sailer)

Jenny Simpson and Brenda Martinez, the two US women who earned medals in the middle distances at this year’s IAAF World Championships, are the first names to be announced for the 2014 New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, an IAAF Indoor Permit meeting, on 8 February.

Simpson, the 2011 World 1500m champion, became the most decorated US woman in history at the distance when she added a silver medal at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow having led for much of the race.

The 27-year-old two-time Olympian finished fifth at the 2009 World Championships in the 3000m steeplechase, in which she set the still-standing US record. She also won the 5000m at the 2013 US Championships.

“It’s always a joy for me to return to Boston,” said Simpson. “To be traveling there for the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix is the best. The meet, facilities, and organisers know how to put on a great show, and I’m looking forward to being a part of it again in 2014.”

Simpson will run the two-miles. The American best for that distance indoors (9:23.38) was set by Regina Jacobs at this meet in 2002.

For Martinez, 2013 was a landmark year outdoors. After an early-season string of victories at 1500m and the mile, the 26-year-old went on to become the first US woman in history to win a World Championships medal at the 800m when she took the bronze in Moscow. She set a personal best of 1:57.91 in that race to finish the year with PBs at six distances.

“I’m very excited to open up my 2014 season at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix,” said Martinez, who will compete in the 1000m. “The world’s best athletes compete at this venue. It’s going to be very special to me to compete in Boston in front of such amazing fans.”

Now in its 19th year, the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix has played host to six world records and 10 US records.

Organisers for the IAAF

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