Olympians train in Sisters for Eugene's Prefontaine Classic

Kelly Holmes runs on the Sisters High School track, training for the Prefontaine Classic. photo by Charlie Kanzig Two of the best female middle distance runners in the world burned up the Sisters High School track last week as they prepared for the prestigious Prefontaine Classic held in Eugene last Saturday.

Olympic 800-meter gold medalist Maria Mutola of Mozambique and 800-meter bronze medalist Kelly Holmes of Britain spent time in Central Oregon to avoid the pollen in the Willamette Valley that leaves both of them plagued with allergies.

Thanks to a contact with Tate Metcalf of Sisters Athletic Club, the two runners and their coach Margot Jennings arranged to rent a home in Tollgate and spent June 10-16 in the area.

With a personal best of 1:55.2 for 800 meters, numerous championship medals, a string of 17 consecutive victories, and 13 years of experience as a world class runner, Mutola is at the top of the world. When asked if Maria had any weaknesses as an 800- meter runner, Coach Jennings paused just briefly, before answering, "No, she really has no weaknesses. She is blessed with a strong, superior body and an equally strong mind."

On Monday, June 14 Jennings directed the pair through a speed workout at the high school track that left witnesses in awe of the level at which Mutola and Holmes compete.

In a 600-meter time trial, Mutola blasted through the first 400 meters in 53.5 seconds. At the conclusion of the workout she did two 100-meter sprints, one in 12.2 and the second in 11.8.

Holmes was equally impressive in the workout, charging alone through 1,200 meters at her goal pace for a 4-minute 1,500, while battling a gusty wind every lap on the backstretch. The final part of the speedwork included a pair of 25.5-second 200-meter dashes. For perspective, the girls 4A state champion for 200 meters this spring won with a time of 25.2.

Holmes, 34, who holds the British records indoors and outdoors for 800, 1,000 and 1,500 meters, will compete in the 1,500 meters for the summer games, where she has a best of 3:58.07, while Mutola will defend her 800-meter title. Mutola has already qualified for the Mozambique Olympic team, while Holmes will be running in the British Olympic Trials in July 10 and 11 in Manchester England.

Mutola, 31, has had an Oregon connection since 1991 when she came to Springfield at age 17 as part of the Olympic Solidarity Committee program for elite athletes from Third World countries. Mozambique was war torn at the time and Mutola was offered a chance to train in a safe place in pursuit of her Olympic dreams.

Jennings was the track and field coach at Springfield High School at the time and when her application for Maria was accepted the two began a coaching relationship that lasts to this day.

Jennings, 58, who still teaches elementary school in Springfield, marvels at the path her coaching has taken.

"I've been all over the world now and am coaching some of the best women runners around," she said. "It is remarkable."

Holmes became Mutola's training partner under Jennings following the 2000 Olympics and the two work very well together, according to Jennings.

"They really complement one another in workouts because Maria can push Kelly's speed up and Kelly can work Maria through longer intervals," she said.

Jennings also coaches three other national-level middle-distance runners, including Agnes Samaria of Namibia, Tina Paulino of Mozambique, and Deb Savage of Australia.

Mutola is the favorite in Athens, while Holmes is hoping to overcome untimely injuries over her career to meet her dreams.

When asked what keeps her going, she said, "I simply want to meet my potential as an athlete."

Mutola won the 800 meters on Saturday in 1:57.78 and Holmes finished second in the 1,500 meters in 4:03.15.