BERGEN, Norway -- Steve Ovett of Britain failed to set a new mark in a world record attempt over 1,500 meters at the windswept Fana Stadium, outside Bergen, Monday, winning in 3:34.63.
In other international events, John Powell of the United States won the discus with a throw of 66.30 meters, with compatriots Al Oerter, 60.24, and Arthur Swarts, 60.04, third and fourth.
Kenyan Henry Rono won the 3,000 meters in 7:58.8, edging American Kelly Jensen by just over a second.
In a meet plagued by cold weather and rain showers, the 1,500 meters, billed as the main event, was postponed for an hour and was run in the best conditions of the day, according to runner-up Steve Cram of Britain, who admitted the runners had no chance of getting near the 3:31.36 world best.
'We never had a chance as the wind on the top bend and going into the final straight was too strong,' said Cram, who clocked 3:40.23.
'You can't fight the wind and set the record. On top of everything I had come here to try to defeat Ovett, but when I found myself in the lead with about two laps to go, I knew I would never win so I just tried to run as fast as I could.'
Gary Cooke of Britain did the early pacing, but his times of 56 seconds and 1:54.7, after 400 and 800 meters respectively, clearly indicated that the record attempt would be abortive.
Despite everything, Ovett added a new track record to his long list, beating the previous best of 3:36.3 held by another Briton, Dave Moorcroft.
Ovett, true to his manner, was not very talkative after the race, refusing to give any comment.
The organizers, in an effort to ensure official ratification of a possible record, had taken the trouble of flying in the electronic timing device from over 900 miles away from north of the polar circle, where it had been used for the Norwegian championships last weekend.
