Peruvian long-distance runner Inés Melchor competed in the 12th IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Germany on Wednesday, coming only 42 seconds short of her previous personal record in spite of a leg injury.
Although Melchor, 22, was eliminated from the competition – finishing 9th of 10 participants and only 43 seconds after race winner Ethiopian Sentayehu Ejigu – she was applauded and dubbed “the Peruvian heroine” by the press and spectators for her extraordinary effort.
Melchor completed the 5000-meter race in 16:00.83, just 42 seconds short of her 16:00.41 personal best.
The Huancavelica native has been unable to train since August 5, 2009, because of a torn left leg muscle.
“I have been resting completely, and this does affect an athlete’s performance,” said Melchor in comment to daily El Comercio. “I knew I wasn’t going to be able to it give it my 100 percent. I am very surprised that I came so close to by personal record, and I am very pleased.”
