Zhou Chunxiu wins women's marathon gold
(Xinhua)Updated: 2006-12-09 21:49
 China's Zhou Chunxiu waves after winning the women's marathon finals at the 15th Asian Games in Doha December 9, 2006. [Reuters]  |
Zhou, who finished fifth in the 2005 world championships with a time of 2 hours, 24 minutes, 12 seconds, snatched the lead after about four kilometers and never looked back, clocking 2:27:03 over the distance of 42.195 kilometers.
"I had thought I could finish the race around 2 hours 20 minutes," said the 28-year-old Zhou. "The winds affected me somewhat."
Kiyoko Shimahara and Kayako Obata made a 2-3 finish for Japan, which was missing several of its top marathoners who decided to concentrate on the world championships qualifying events this year.
Shimahara took silver in 2:30:34, just 4 seconds ahead Obata.
"Marathon is one of Japan's strength events, but we didn't win the gold medal this time. It's a pity," Shimahara said.
A small field of 10 athletes entered the race.
|
||
|
||
|
|