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Hestrie on high
31/08/2003 20:32 - (SA)
Paris - Hestrie Cloete of South Africa has retained her women's high jump title with an African record at the World Championships.
Cloete had a flawless competition up to and including her winning height of 2.06 metres, which also equalled the best mark of the year.
"I came here with every intention of defending my title. I was very focussed and I think you can see that in the result," she said.
"I'm proud that South Africa won two gold medals and they were both in the high jump. It looks like we are coming back into the world of athletics."
After winning the competition, she had three attempts at a new world record of 2.10m.
None were close, but Cloete believe she will be over the height soon.
"I honestly feel that 2.10m is within my reach. Both my head and my legs can do it. Maybe by the end of this year, or maybe next year, but I know I can get it," said Cloete, who celebrated her 25th birthday on Tuesday.
The current world record of 2.09m is held by Bularia's Stefka Kostadinova, who jumped the height to win the 1987 world title.
In addition to the gold medal and the $60 000 first prize, there was also the satisfaction that comes with the knowledge you are the best in the world.
"With all the pain you go through in training, you know that there will be a day that you will receive glory for it," added Cloete.
Russia's Marina Kuptsova cleared 2.00m for the silver medal, the former world junior champion having fewer failures than Kajsa Bergqvist of Sweden, who went over the same height but had to settle for the bronze medal.
- SAPA
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