2007 World Championship Women's Steeple Preview: Can The Russians Sweep?

2007 World Championship Women's Steeple Preview: Can The Russians Sweep?
By LetsRun.com
Aug 23, 2007

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Who wins Women's Steeplechase?

The inaugural world champ Dorcus Inzikuru from Uganda is not running as she's pregnant. As a result, the Russian women willl do their best impression of the Kenyan men and try to sweep. The world record holder, Gulnara Samitova, appears on paper to be the one to beat. She leads the world in 2007 with her 9:11.69 and comes into the race after a 2:02 800 at the Russian champs. Clearly, she has the speed needed to win.

Samitova be challenged most by compatriot Yekaterina Volkova. Volkova won silver in 2005 and heads into worlds after an impressive double win at the Russian champs (9:13 steeple and 15:00 5k). Expect those two to battle it out for the win.

The bronze on paper looks like it will be a two person battle between the third Russian Tatyana Petrova and Kenya's Eunice Jepkorir. Jepkorir has run 9:14 this year but when she did that Samitova was well clear in 9:11. The steeple is a short race for Petrova who was 8th at 2005 Chicago and 2nd at the Cherry Blossom 10 miler this year. We'll pick Jepkorir as a result.