JULY 11, 2000

(INDIANAPOLIS)-- The Indiana Invaders' Kelly French, a 1998 graduate of Southern Illinois University, blazed to a personal best time of 16:16.65 in finishing in tenth place in the 5000 meters event at the CanAm High Performance Distance Circuit event at Montreal's McGill University on Saturday.

The CanAm circuit was developed to provide low-cost high performance competition opportunities for North American elite and emerging elite middle distance and distance runners during the summer months following the national championship meets.

French's previous best times over 5,000 meters was 17:21, performed on an indoor track while a collegiate athlete. The 5,000 meter race at McGill University was French's first serious outing at the distance after a year of training under Invaders Head Coach, Chris Buhler.

Stephanie Dueringer

Invaders' teammate Stephanie Dueringer, also competing in the race, finished in 15th place in 16:46.47.

"Here's an athlete that struggled through college and after some injuries, gave her career one more shot and with the right combination of support, facilities, and training she's running like she should have years ago," said Invaders Head Coach Chris Buhler. He added, "Kelly's outstanding performance in Montreal is evidence of our ability to take fringe runners and make them very good."

French will compete in the 1500 meters at the Canadian Olympic Track and Field Trials on August 11-12 in British Columbia.

For more information, contact Greg Harger at 317/274-9749.




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