Georgia Hunter Bell beaten by Australian Claudia Hollingsworth in Melbourne

Great Britain’s Georgia Hunter Bell was defeated in the 1500 meters in Melbourne in her first race since becoming the women’s world indoor champion.

The 32-year-old arrived at the Maurie Factory Meet in Australia less than a week after claiming his first global indoor title in Poland.

But 20-year-old Australian Claudia Hollingsworth was unable to deliver her signature finishing burst as she came within 200 meters of the finish line to set a winning time of four minutes 1.30 seconds, 0.22 seconds ahead of Hunter Bell.

“It was amazing to be in the race with girls at this level and beat Georgia,” said Hollingsworth, who set a record time for the meet.

Saturday’s outdoor event was the first of 11 World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meets, the level below the Diamond League.

On the other hand, rising Australian sprinter Gout Gout (18) finished the men’s 200 meters race in second place, 0.05 seconds behind his international teammate 25-year-old Lachlan Kennedy, who won with a time of 20.38.