TAUNTON running star Hannah Taunton impressed in her first outing as a Team GB athlete, finishing fifth in the World Para Athletics Championships T20 1500m final.
Hannah, who represents Taunton Athletics Club and Running Forever, was up against the world's best in Dubai on Sunday morning and made a strong start.
Following a steady first lap, Taunton surged to the front and was in the lead as the race reached its halfway mark; or, in the words of the commentator, "with two laps to go, the leader is Hannah Taunton - who really is Hannah from Taunton!"
Taunton was overtaken towards the end of the penultimate lap and Polish athlete Barbara Bieganowska - also the World Record holder - stormed clear to win the race in 4.36.10, but the former Castle School star dug in to cross the line in fifth.
🇬🇧Hannah Taunton marks her British debut at the @ParaAthletics World Championships with a 4:45.01 showing in the T20 1500m final for fifth place, just a shade outside her personal best #Dubai2019 pic.twitter.com/lGA7vI5rVR
— British Athletics (@BritAthletics) November 10, 2019
Hannah's time was 4.45.01, just slightly below her personal best, and she can reflect with pride on her achievements.
You can watch the race in the linked video below (the 1500m begins at 52:30).
LIVE from Dubai - day 4 is on now!
— Para Athletics (@ParaAthletics) November 10, 2019
Brought to you by @citi #Dubai2019 #ParaAthletics https://t.co/4PHE4b2mm9
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