Greek champion Anna Stroumpou finished seventh in the 3,000m steeplechase at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon with a time of 10:00.63. She improved the Greek national U20 record for the second time during the competition.
The performance made Stroumpou the eighth Greek woman of all time in the 3,000m steeplechase. She achieved one of the greatest distinctions for Greek athletics in steeplechase and middle-distance running events.
Race tactics and final sprint
Stroumpou, who is coached by Christos Papachristou, maintained her composure throughout the race and corrected mistakes made at the water jump. She avoided getting drawn into the fast early pace set by several runners who later faded.
Stroumpou ran a strong final 400 metres and moved up from ninth to seventh place in the closing stages. The 19-year-old athlete returned to training this year after taking time off for her school obligations.
