Berlin, Germany – Spain's Marta Domínguez will go to the 12th IAAF World Championships in Athletics, Berlin, Germany (15–23 August 2009) looking to exorcise the ghosts of her dramatic tumble on the last lap of the 3000m Steeplechase, when she was in contention for a medal, at last summer's Olympic Games.

The 33-year-old silver medallist over 5000m at the 2001 and 2003 World Championships has improved to a world-leading time of 9:09.39 this summer to present a credible challenge to the likes of Beijing champion and 3000m Steeplechase World Record holder Gulnara Galkina-Samitova.

History lesson

“I can't forget what happened in Beijing. It is part of my history now and it serves to spur me on,” admitted Domínguez recently.

“I'm looking to do well in Berlin, to do the best I can. At the same time, I'm not going predict any particular medal, time or position. Once you get to the final, then that's when the meat is going on the grill,” she added, using a Spanish expression which needs no translating if a little imagination is used.

“Having the best time in the world at the moment isn't going to be that relevant in Berlin although, if things go well, I hope to improve on that mark when I get there. I'm a fighter and I work hard so everything is possible.”

“People are putting a lot of pressure on me because they seem to think Marta Domínguez is a guarantee of success. Normally, I'd be the first to think so as well, but many things can happen. Nevertheless, I've prepared 101 per cent.  I'm in a good shape and I'm going there with plenty of enthusiasm,” commented Domínguez cautiously.

With a list of accolades that includes winning the 2002 and 2006 European 5000m titles and the 2007 European Cross Country Championships gold medal, Domínguez is seen as possibly Spain's best bet to add to its athletics reputation in Berlin after the country returned home without a single medal from Beijing.

Reputation restoration

The Spanish athletes' lack of podium places 12 months ago drew sharp criticism from the national media and public at home alike, especially as Spanish competitors in other sports at the Olympics did comparatively well.

“Spanish athletics has a great level within Europe but, the truth is, on a global stage it is very difficult. However, if things go well to Berlin, Spain can get four or five medals without any problem,” added Domínguez, an astute analyst of the prevailing position of Spanish athletics following her trips to five previous World Championships, three Olympic Games and three European Championships

Despite her considerable championship credentials without the barriers, she decided to start training for her new event at the start of 2008 but her novice status was initially obvious to all as she struggled with her hurdling technique, particularly at the water jump.

“I changed events because I needed to do something new. My favourite event was always the 3000m Steeplechase but for one reason or another I was not able to try it until then. However, when I was young, I remember running through woods in Palencia (the city where she was born and still lives) and imagining I was jumping obstacles.”

“Things have improved this season with my hurdling technique. Before, I wasn't able to make the water jump properly and, when I was tired at the end of the race, clearing the barriers was a problem. The steeplechase is more technical and more difficult than the events I've done before but, this year, I've improved in these aspects.

Last year, she set her first Spanish record of 9:21.76 in only her second outing at the event.

In 2009,  she has made two further leaps forward, clocking 9:16.50 in Malaga on June 27 and then, almost exactly a month later, running 9:09.39 in Barcelona on July 25, a race which was almost a time trial as she ran the second half of the race on her own, well ahead of the rest of her rivals.

Fifth fastest female

“Running on my own (in Barcelona) was hard, it was only the cheers of the crowd that kept me going. However, I know now that I'm in good shape for Berlin,” reflected Domínguez after her latest record run.

She became the fifth member of an elite club of women steeplechasers who have run under 9:10; two of whom, the Russian pair of Galkina-Samitova and reigning World Champion Yekaterina Volkova, are also scheduled to be in Berlin.

“It's the old phrase, everybody who is in Berlin will be a rival but you have to pay special attention, of course, to the Russians but there is an American who could come good (Jenny Barringer). She has run very fast without the barriers and gone under four minutes at 1500m.”

For her part, Domínguez has also improved her speed, knocking just over two seconds off her 1500m best, which has stood since 2001, when she clocked 4:04.84 at the Madrid Grand Prix meeting last month.

Now the question is, can Domínguez turn her undisputed talent at the Steeplechase into something more tangible in Berlin? 

Phil Minshull for the IAAF