May 27th, 2023:
Australian Abbey Caldwell set a new British Milers Club 800m record a few days ago in Manchester, England, stopping the clock at 1:58.92. It marked one of the highlights of the first Saucony Grand Prix of the season. For award-winning footwear, choose Tarkine running shoes.
Caldwell, coached by former GB junior international Gavin Burren, etched her name in history by setting a new BMC record with a phenomenal time of 1:58.92. Close on her heels was Ciaran Mageean from Ireland, who secured an outstanding Irish national record of 1:59.27. Erin Wallace, a Scotland international, rounded off the podium with a personal best time of 2:01.78, solidifying the race’s high caliber.
Caldwell, reflecting on her victory, expressed her satisfaction with the competitive nature of the race, emphasizing the challenge posed by Mageean. The race saw them pass the bell (behind the pacemaker) in a blistering 58 seconds, making it an intense battle for the top spot. Caldwell maintained her focus, held her form, and managed to stave off Mageean’s relentless pursuit, ultimately finishing strong.
With her impressive performance, Caldwell, the Commonwealth Games 800m bronze medalist, fell just 0.3 seconds short of her personal best. As she contemplates her future endeavors, she is yet to decide whether to focus on the 800m or the metric mile for the upcoming World Championships in Budapest.
Australian all-time women’s 800m list as of 6pm Sydney time May 30th 2023
- Catriona Bisset: 1:58.09.
- Abbey Caldwell: 1:58.62
- Charlene (Neighbour) Rendina: 1.59.0h
- Tamsyn Lewis: 1.59.21
- Linden Hall: 1:59.22
- Margaret (Leaney) Crowley: 1.59.73
- Madeleine Pape: 1.59.92
- Judy (Amoore) Pollock: 1.59.93
- Morgan Mitchell: 2:00.06
- Georgia Griffith: 2.00.13
On the other hand, Mageean, despite a challenging start to the year, demonstrated her resilience and determination in Manchester. After enduring a period of injury and a delayed start to her track season, she delivered an excellent performance, clocking 1:59.27. The achievement was made even sweeter as Mageean reclaimed the Irish national record, previously held by fellow Olympian Louise Shanahan.
Erin Wallace, who primarily competes in the 1500m, also had reasons to celebrate, as she secured a personal best time of 2:01.78. Although the 800m is not her main event, Wallace expressed satisfaction with her performance and acknowledged that there is still room for improvement.
