German star impresses at National Championships

By Chris Lotsbom, Dyestat Editor

While the women's mile at the Muller Anniversary Games gained well deserved praise, a 1,500-meter final in Germany was eye popping. German 20-year-old Konstanze Klosterhalfen ran a solo 3:59.58 to win the 1,500 national title.

A video of the race can be seen here, showing Klosterhalfen closing the final lap in 62.06.

Klosterhalfen has been described as the Mary Cain or Alexa Efraimson of Germany. Yet, she's soared beyond expectations and is entering a different level for someone who only turned 20 in February. She is the face of German distance running.

Don't be surprised if Klosterhalfen makes a stir at the IAAF World Championships.

Compared to the historically fast mile at the Anniversary Games in London, Klosterhalfen is in good company. In London, five women went under 4:20, led by Hellen Obiri in 4:16.56.

Put in perspective, Laura Muir and Obiri went through 1,500 together in 4:00.35. Had she been in the race, Klosterhalfen would have held her own and could have finished in the Kate Grace/Stephanie Garcia range in 4:24 (considering that her 1,500 in Germany was solo, it can be presumed that Klosterhalfen likely would have run faster with competition). 

The World Championships next month are sure to be exciting.