Canada’s Melissa Bishop races to world silver medal in women’s 800

BEIJING – Canada’s Melissa Bishop has captured a silver medal in the women’s 800 metres at the world track and field championships.

The 27-year-old from Eganville, Ont., crossed in one minute 58.12 seconds in a battle down the homestretch.

Bishop had run 1:57.52 in the semifinals, breaking Diane Cummins’ Canadian record that stood for 14 years.

Canada’s previous best finish in the event at worlds was Cummins’ fifth in 2001.

Marina Arzamasova of Belarus won the gold in 1:58.03, while Eunice Sum took the bronze in 1:58.18.