Zelinka registers best Canadian placing ever in Heptathlon at IAAF World Championships

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

DAEGU - Jessica Zelinka of London, Ont., finished ninth in the grueling two day heptathlon with 6268 points, registering the best Canadian finish in the seven discipline event ever at a World Championship. Heading into the final event of 800-metres Jessica was in 12^th but her time of 2:12.62 added some valuable points to her score. “I have it in me to get on the podium I just need to put it all together in one consistent heptathlon; that is the most important thing I am taking away from this.”

Also in the heptathlon was Ruky Abdulai of Coquitlam, B.C., who registered a new personal best of 6212 points. In the 800-metres Ruky ran a personal best time of 2:15.29 to finish the heptathlon overall in 13^th. “I am happy with my competition and the personal bests throughout. On day two, if I didn’t have this hamstring problem, the score could have been even better.”

Victoria, B.C.’s Geoff Martinson finished ninth in a fast heat over 1500-metres. His time of 3:40.98 qualified him into the semi finals on Day 6.

Up tomorrow at 9:00am local Daegu time (8:00pm tonight eastern time) is Peterborough, Ont.’s Rachel Seaman in the 20km racewalk. Already this season Rachel has bettered the Canadian record on two occasions; it currently stands at 1:33:43.

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