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Masilingi storms to record start on European circuit

Beatrice Masilingi’s record-breaking start to the indoor season appears to signal a return to her best.

The 2020 Tokyo Olympic 200m women’s finalist improved the national women’s 60m indoor record to 6.35 seconds at the International Flanders Athletics Meeting in Ghent, Belgium on Saturday.

She ran the time to win her heat, following up with a seventh-place finish in the final when she clocked 6.37 seconds.

The latter time also beat compatriot Sade de Sousa’s previous national record set in Pittsburg in the United States in March last year.

On testing evening, Masilingi ran three times over a relatively short period, and also ran in the 200m, placing second in 23.6 seconds.

“Beatrice ran the 60m in the pre-event and she won that. And then, the organisers asked if she would be able to run the 200m after the 60m in the main event as well because there was a withdrawal,” coach Henk Botha said of Masilingi’s loaded meet in Ghent.

“She ran the 6.35 in the first round and she then went to the final, ended up seventh with the 6.37 and obviously later ran the 200m as well.

“So, it was a tough night on her body, just taking in consideration that we only landed on Friday. But I’m very proud of her, she really did well.”

Masilingi next races at the Tampere Indoor Meeting on Thursday in Tampere, Finland, which is another World Athletics Indoor Tour Bronze Meeting following her performance in Ghent. 

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