Okoro races to victory in Birmingham

Posted: Saturday 21st February 2009 | 16:00

MARILYN Okoro has set her sights on Dame Kelly Holmes' British indoor record, after setting a personal best on the way to victory at the Aviva Grand Prix.

Okoro roars to victory in Birmingham
MAID MARILYN: Okoro in excellent form at the Aviva Grand Prix in Birmingham (Getty Images)

The 24-year-old clocked 1:59.52 minutes - a lifetime best - in Birmingham, again edging out compatriot Jenny Meadows, who was 0.25 seconds off the pace.

Okoro has already booked her place on the flight to Turin for the European Indoor Championships next month and will head to Italy as one of the favourites, fresh from clocking the second fastest 800m time in the world this year.

And the 2007 world bronze medallist believes she is more than capable of claiming the national record, having broken the two-minute barrier for the first time this season.

"I've been a bit here, there and everywhere indoors this season but that run felt really good," she said. "I started the season a bit slower and did okay last week and the trials but today was by and away the best I have done in 2009.

"I can head to Turin with real confidence now and really enjoy my run out there. I'm not very far from Kelly Holmes' record and that's something I'd love to get this season."

Elsewhere, in the 60m hurdles America's Dexter Faulk powered to glory in a particularly close race, edging team-mate David Payne by just 0.01 secs.

But there was disappointment for Great Britain's Alex Turner, whose participation in Turin remains in doubt with a time of 7.76 secs - good enough for sixth.

While in the women's 60m hurdles, world No.1 Lolo Jones stormed to gold with a season's best of 7.82 secs.

And in the 1500m reigning world champion Maryam Jamal blitzed her way to victory but there were impressive displays from Britain's Susan Scott and Hannah England, who finished second and third respectively.