Track & Field News of Friday, 20 April 2012

Source: GNA

Simpson wins Heptathlon Olympic qualifier in Mauritius

Ghana's Margaret Simpson proved her status as the Heptathlon Queen of the Africa continent by emerging tops at the Africa Combined Events Championship held in Bambous, Mauritius last week.

Simpson, 30, garnered 6,184 points to emerge winner of the seven-event championship held from 13-14 April at the Germain Comarmond Stadium located in the Black River District of the Indian Ocean Island.

The two-day event also served as a qualifier for the London 2012 Olympic Games, meaning the 2011 All Africa Games gold medalists has sealed her ticket for the 27 July to 12 August championship in London.

Information gathered by GNA Sports indicates that Nafissatou Thiam of Belgium finished second on 5906 points.

Ivorian Gabriella Kouassi, Selloane Tsoaeli of Lesotho and Togolese Sandrine Thiebaud finished in that order with 5766 points, 5194 points and 5025 points respectively.

Simpson also finished first at the last edition held last year.**