Australian MacFarlane hits pain barrier

OSAKA, Japan, Aug 25 (Reuters) Australian steeplechase runner Donna MacFarlane's world championship dream ended in agony after she lost a shoe during her opening heat today.

The 30-year-old mother of two was spiked by a rival 10 seconds into the 3,000 metre race and although she continued to run for over a lap, the intense pain of her badly blistered feet on the scorching track forced her to quit.

''I thought 'I can handle this pain, I've been through childbirth twice' but no,'' MacFarlane told Australian Associated Press.

''I tried to battle through the pain and ignore the pain in my foot as I could feel the skin turning away. But I had a look down, I saw the blood pouring out and it was just too sore.'' Reuters SSC GC2204