Beijing Olympic Games

Updated: 2008-08-17 22:15:20

(BEIJING, August 17) — Gulnara Galkina-Samitova of Russia has won the first ever Women’s 3000m Steeplechase at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, breaking her own world record with a time of 8:58.81 and the Olympic record time of 9:15.17 that she set in the semifinal.

Reigning world champion Eunice Jepkorir of Kenya took silver in a time of 9:07.41, while Ekaterina Volkova, also of Russia and bronze medalist in last years World Championships, claimed the bronze in a season best time of 9:07.64.

Russia missed out on a clean sweep, with 2007 World Championships silver medalist, Tatiana Petrova, coming in fourth with a time of 9:12.33.

Galkina-Samitova has held the world record in this event since 2004 and has produced six of history’s fastest eight performances. Outside of her specialty, the 30-year-old has displayed very fine form in events including the 1500m and the 5000m, which she will be competing in on Tuesday, August 19.

Illustrating phenomenal form this season, Galkina-Samitova lowered her career best to 14:33.13 in the 5000m in July, and more recently ran 4:03.31 for 1500m.