Sprinter continues winning ways

Press, 25 January 1988, Page 29

Sprinter continues winning ways

NZPA-Reuter Ottawa The Canadian, Ben Johnson, the world’s fastest man, continued his winning ways yesterday by turning in the second-fastest indoor time over 55 metres at the Ottawa Winternational athletics meeting. Johnson, who holds the world 100 m record of 9.835, sprinted to victory in 6.015. Only the American, Lee Mcßae, who clocked 6.00 in Oklahoma City in 1986, has run a faster 55m indoors.

Brian Cooper, of the United States, who broke ahead of Johnson at the start but was

overtaken after 25m, finished second in 6.06. A fellow

American, Daron Council, was third in 6.24.

"I was a little tired from the extended warm-up and from the jet lag,” said Johnson, who had gone to Los Angeles for some promotional work during the week. The sprints were delayed almost 90 minutes because the track had to be dismantled and rebuilt to accommodate the 55m distance.

“I think I could have done better if we hadn’t had to wait so long and I’m sure I

would have got a better start,” Johnson said.

In the women’s 1500 m, Doina Melinte simply ran

away from the field for her victory over her fellow Rumanian and Olympic gold medallist, Maricica Puica. Melinte clocked 4:09.96 for her win, well ahead of Puica, who finished in 4:23.98. “I really don’t like running out in front like that,” Melinte said through an interpreter.

“I’d rather come from behind. But to win is nig.e. I like that.” ’«’■