Completing an indoor season journey that began with her victory at the Boston Indoor Games in January, American Me'Lisa Barber again rose to the challenge to win the World Indoor 60m title, the first solo podium finish for the 25-year-old American.
But in the end, it couldn’t have been closer. Compatriot Lauryn Williams overcame a modest first half to catch Barber 15 metres from the finish to nearly catch her teammate. Both were credited with a sizzling 7.01 effort, a world-leading effort and personal bests for both sprinters. For Williams, the 2005 100m champion outdoors, who began the weekend with a 7.11 best, the improvement was phenomenal.
But Barber, faster and more consistent throughout the season, couldn’t be caught by the more decorated Williams.
“I had a good start, and lifted my knees in the later stages," said Williams. "That was the key to my success. I expected something like 6.9 or 7 flat would be needed to win. That shows that I have enough improvement for outdoor events.”
“I gave my best,” said Williams, but I’m a little bit disappointed. I ran my best today and I expected to run seven flat.
Kim Gevaert, second in 2004, was third this year, but as a consolation, was faster. Her 7.11 broke her own national record set in Budapest.
Finishing fourth and yet again off of an indoor international podium, was Christine Arron of France, who, after faltering in the latter stages, reached the line in 7.13. Russian Mariya Bolikova, prior to this evening the world leader, was fifth in 7.17, just ahead of 2003 champion Zhanna Block (7.19).
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