We had made her one of the favorites for the title over 5000m hope and Mélody Julien was faithful to the appointment. Fifth in the race in all categories, she took on her new status with flying colors.
Mélody Julien went all out to win a gold hopeful medal in the 5,000m, securing a double after the 10,000m hopeful title gleaned at the end of August in Brittany. A few minutes after the race, finished in fifth position in 16’18”54, she was having a hard time catching her breath and responding to the demands. The member of Montredon-Labessonié was in the leading pack until halfway through the race, before being left irremediably behind. “I was scared during the race because I was not feeling very well, perhaps stress. I also had problems with my spikes. When I saw that it was accelerating, I preferred to be sure. in the hope category. “
There were three of them to share the podium and Mélody Julien showed character and courage to place a decisive acceleration on the last lap to distance his pursuers. “There was my family, friends, the club, I’m happy. I have to face the track and opponents of this level.”
Next Sunday, she will be at the start of the 10 km from Castres, with ease. “It was the first competition of my career and I’ve won it four times…”
Lemitre does the job
It all started at the end of the afternoon with the women’s 1,500-meter final. Victim of a fall here a fortnight ago, Alexa Lemitre, the athlete of Ecla, who was to line up on the 3,000 m steeplechase, had left doubts about her participation this week. Finally, as announced, out of prudence she was well at the start of the 1,500 meters.
After a very tactical race, she ran out of juice on the last lap and her stride left little doubt about the discomfort linked to her injury. She finished in 7th place (4’29”81) and 3rd among the hopefuls, she who had been champion of France hopeful over 3,000 m steeplechase in 2019. “A medal is always good, but it’s anecdotal. I came to rediscover the fun and the spirit of competition and I am satisfied. I ran with adrenaline and I didn’t feel too much pain. It was a tactical race and I does the job. “
At his side, Michel Molinier took a step back. “Three days ago, Alexa was not running. We did a quarter of a session in thirteen days, but she wanted to do it and it is to her credit. It is difficult to run injured at home.”
The season ends for the Albigensian, who will prepare for the indoor season within a fortnight. “It has to be a springboard and she needs to toughen up. She will go senior and you will have to cross a big barrier. You have to gain about fifteen seconds on 3,000 m steeplechase to make great championships”, concludes Michel Molinier.
The last Tarnais competing yesterday, Laury Battet finished 7th in weight with a throw of 16.54m. Far from the podium but with fifty centimeters better than the decathlete Kevin Mayer.
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