Posted: January 29, 2009  :

(TPR) Athletics: Newcomer Gordeyeva Scales 2.01M (6-7) In Cottbus

From Bob Ramsak
© 2008 TRACK PROFILE Report, all rights reserved

Little known Irina Gordeyeva of Russia continued her rise in the high jump tonight, clearing 2.01m [6-7] at an international jumpers meet in Cottbus, Germany. The 22-year-old, who began the indoor season with a 1.95m [6-4 ¾] best from last summer outdoors, twice improved upon her best 2009 performance, first clearing 1.99m [6-6 ¼] on her third attempt, and then 2.01m on her first. Four days ago, Gordeyeva improved to 1.98m [6-6] at the international high jump meet in Hustopece, Czech Republic. Her performance in Cottbus elevates her to the No. 2 position this season behind reigning world indoor and outdoor champion Blanka Vlasic of Croatia who jumped 2.03m [6-8] in her season's debut on Tuesday. A relative newcomer on the international circuit, Gordeyeva was fourth at the 2005 European Junior Championships. In the men's pole vault, Steven Lewis of Great Britain upset Germans Bjorn Otto and Danny Ecker. The 22-year-old cleared 5.65m [18-6 ½], with the German pair topping out at 5.60m [18-4 ½]. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest