Ghana’s Margaret Simpson happy with performance

Ghana’s Margaret Simpson is happy with her performance in the women’s heptathlon despite placing 14th on the overall ranking.

The 2005 World Bronze medalist started her campaign on a blistering note winning Heat 2 of the 100m hurdles in a seasonal best time of 13.43 but her performance was strongly impeded by a hamstring injury coupled with a problem in her waist that emerged during the high jump event.

Despite a massive throw of 53.13m in the javelin throw, Margaret’s performance in the long Jump, 200m, 800m and shot putt hindered her opportunity to secure a medal as she placed 14th on the overall ranking.

Speaking to E TV Sports in Daegu, Margaret Simpson, whose total point accumulation stood at 6,183, said she was delighted with her display considering the circumstances.

“I’m very happy with my performance because I pulled my hamstring during the high jump.

“I also had this waist problem so I had to put a belt around my waist, but I decided not stop the competition,” she said.

The reigning All African Games champion says there are more positives from her participation in the championship saying “I have secured qualification for the London 2012 Olympics.”

She is also hoping to set a new record at the upcoming All Africa Games after injury prevented her from taking a medal at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu.

“Now I’m planning for Maputo (All African Games 2011) but I will first go to treatment, “the Mauritius based athlete said adding that “my target is to break the African record of 6,432 which I set in Austria, in 2005.”

Meanwhile, the anxious wait for team Ghana’s first medal continues at the World Championships after sprinter Aziz Zakari earlier failed to progress in the men’s 100m heats.

Long Jumper Ignisious Gaisah is set to compete on Thursday while the men’s 4x100m relay team takes their turn on the last day of the competition.

By Erasmus Kwaw