Canadian results on Day 3 of World Championships; Jessica Zelinka in 8th after Day 1 of Heptathlon

Monday, August 29, 2011

DAEGU - Jessica Zelinka of London, Ont., is in eighth place following the first day of competition in the heptathlon registering 3783 points. Jessica ran the 100-metre hurdles in 13.01, high jumped 1.68 metres, shot put 14.91 metres and crossed the line in 24.06 seconds in the 200-metres. “I am not pleased with where I am. I am very happy with the shot put but I messed up the high jump; I will put it all on the table tomorrow.”

Also in the heptathlon, her first at the international level is Coquitlam, B.C.’s Ruky Abdulai. After day 1 Ruky is in 20^th place with 3590 points. She ran the 100-metre hurdles in a personal best time of 13.60 seconds; she high jumped 1.80 metres, shot put another personal best of 11.72 metres and clocked 24.50 over 200-metres. “I am happy with my performance today. My hamstring is a little sore so I will take care of that tonight and be ready for more competition tomorrow.”

In the men’s 3000-metres steeple chase both Alex Genest of Lac-aux-Sables, Que., and Matthew Hughes of Oshawa, Ont., did not advance out of their heats. Alex Genest finished ninth in heat 1 with 8:36.67; “I am a little disappointed, I wanted to go faster. At the 2km mark I didn’t feel good; they change pace at this level and I need to adapt.”

 Matthew finished tenth in heat 3 crossing the line in 8:58.52; “"It was a great season for me, I peaked in June at NCAA. My goal was to make this team and earn valuable experience for London 2012.”

Besides the heptathlon, with three remaining events tomorrow including the long jump, javelin and 800-metres; Victoria, B.C.’s Geoff Martinson will be making his debut on the international scene. Geoff will compete in the 1500-metres in heat 3 at 11:40 (local), 10:40pm (eastern time tonight).

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