The EAA said on its Web site that Elvan, an Olympic and world medalist, made a sparkling half marathon debut clocking a course record and world-leading time of 1:07:07 in Ras Al Khaimah, the United Arab Emirates, on Feb. 19.The Turkish star was a silver medalist in both 5,000 and 10,000 meters at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. She is now planning to attempt the 5,000 and 10,000 meters double at this summer’s European Athletics Championships in Barcelona.
The European Athlete of the Month initiative was launched in January 2007 and is designed to recognize outstanding performers at all levels of the sport in Europe.
The EAA names a male and female winner each month and features the athlete on its Web site. Selections are based on votes by the public, the media and a panel of European Athletics experts, with each counting for 33.3 percent of the final vote. No athlete who has previously served a two-year doping ban can be nominated for or win the European Athlete of the Month award.
