ST AUSTELL athlete Jemma Simpson finished third in her first major race of the season at the prestigious Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, USA.

It was an impressive, big name, line-up including the Beijing Olympic champion, Pamela Jelimo and world class athletes from Russia, Jamaica, Kenya and the USA.

Jemma, from Polgooth, said: "It was an interesting early season race that included Jelimo, who I wanted to measure myself against to test my pre-season training.

"Overall, I was happy with my performance and I am feeling strong and feel there is a lot more to come from me this year."

Jemma's coach, Mark Rowland said: "This result confirms that our training plans are on track and I fully expect that Jemma will be in great shape for the World Championships in Berlin this August."

The race got off to a fast start with the pacesetter leading Jelimo into first position. Jemma held off in the middle of the pack.

The Olympic athlete went through the bell in 57 seconds with the rest of the pack some 30 metres behind. With 200m to go Jelimo was reeled in, big time by the rest of the field with Kenia Sinclair taking the lead, closely followed by Simpson.

The two powered their way down the home straight towards the finish line but from several metres back came a surprising surge from the American girl, Maggie Vessey, to take the victory overall.

It was a spectacular race and the Cornish runner was able to hold her head high with a third place in a world class race with a time of 2.01.1.

She will now return to the UK for the rest of the season in preparation for the World Trials which take place in Birmingham next month.