Double for England

Press, 14 August 1978, Page 17

Double for England

England also won the gold medal in the women’s 1500 m final writes Rod Dew. Mary Stewart, using tactics very similar to those later employed bv Moorcroft, sprinted to victory down the finishing straight. She crossed the finish in the Games record time of 4min 6.34 s — a remarkable achievement on a rain-drenched track. The silver medal was taken by her team-mate, Christine Benning, in 4min 7.535, also inside the old Games record. Penny Werther (Canada) was third in 4min 8.145, a career best.

Francine Gendron and Werther (Canada) set the early pace but at the end of the second lap Benning was in front. She took the field through the 800 m in 2min 12.985. On the third lap, Benning sprinted away in an attempt to gain a break on the field. She moved some 4m clear but at the bell this had been reduced to 2m. Stewart was second. Alison Wright (New Zealand) was also right up with the leaders. Off the turn, Stewart started her sprint, overhauling Benning quite easily to win comfortably. Wright started her sprint in third place but Werther rushed past and then almost right on the line, the New Zealander faultered badly. Christine McMeekin (Scotland) and Hilary Hollick (Wales) swept through to push her down to sixth place.