Glasgow, Scotland – Setting an American record in the process, University of New Hampshire graduate Elle (Purrier) St.Pierre won the World Athletics Indoor Championships 3000 meter race held on March 2 in Glasgow, Scotland. The record and gold medal came almost a year to the day after giving birth to her son.
St. Pierre came from behind on the gun lap to clock 8:20.87, the third best ever at the distance indoors and breaking the championship record. The silver medalist in the event two years ago, she passed World 5000 meter record holder Gudaf Tsegay of Ethiopia on the final straightaway to become the first American woman to take gold in the event at the World Indoors. St. Pierre was ready for the performance, having come within two-tenths of a second of the US record in February while finishing second in the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix event in Boston, and reestablishing the American Record in the mile at the Millrose Games, running 4:16.41.
Photo credit: World Athletics