Rich front running pay-off

Press, 11 October 1982, Page 40

Rich front running pay-off

RODDEW

From 1

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A superb tactical run by the long distance specialist, Lorraine Moller, brought New Zealand an unexpected medal when she finished third in the final of the women's 1500 m on Saturday. Miss Moller, already the winner of the bronze medal in the 3000 m and better known for her exploits over

the marathon distance, made much of the running and only the English favourite, Christina Boxer, and another English runner, Gillian Dainty, were ahead of her at the finish. Christina Boxer recorded 4min 8.28 s and Miss Dainty 4min 10.80 s. Miss Moller's time for third was 4min 12.675. Right behind her in fourth place was the New Zealand champion. Dianne Rodger, who ran another tactically poor race. She made up a lot of ground with her finishing sprint but would have done so much better if she had not allowed herself to drift so

far behind the leaders. "I thought that Lorraine would make a hard race." said Miss Boxer afterwards. “I watched her in the 3000 m and she looked very strong." There can be no dbubt that Miss Moller gave her best in the final. She was in third place on the opening lap and on the second lap took over the lead, lifted the pace and succeeded in stretching the field out. She was still in front at the bell, with Miss Boxer right behind. Half-way down the back straight, Miss Boxer sprinted to the front and Miss Dainty and the Welsh

runner. Kim Lock, also went past. It seemed as if Miss Moller’s bold bid was over but she still had something in reserve. She sprinted around the curve, mainlining her position, and up the finishing straight she went past Miss Lock and from that point was assured of a second bronze medal. Mrs Rodger came with a rush at the finish, making up several placings, but she had left this much too late. "There were moments when. I thought I might win," said Miss Moller afterwards.