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Golden league Brussels, Belgium
The oldest World record goes down
The rarely run 4x1500m was always going to be a difficult race to follow with the varying change-over points on each leg but it was made nearly impossible as the members of the Kenyan quartet biding for the World record (14:38.8 – 1977 FRG) were each wearing different coloured vests! The record duly fell as Augustine Choge brought the squad home in 14:36.23*. Full team and 1500 splits (thanks to Mark Butler) - William Biwott 3:38.5; Gideon Gathimba 3:39.5; Geoffrey Rono 3:41.4; Augustine Chose 3:36.9.
The oldest World record in history is now the double header 25,000 metres (1:13:55.8) on route to 30,000 metres (1:29:18.8) run by Toshihiko Seko on the 22 March 1981… standby 2010 Belgacom Memorial Van Damme, book your tickets now for the attempt to break it!
Chris Turner |
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Golden league Brussels, Belgium
Burka picks herself up
Gelete Burka was last seen lying distressed on the track in Berlin having hit the deck in an incident which brought her down when leading before the last bend of the 1500m final. Tonight’s 2000m had been set up as a comeback to the track for the Ethiopian, a World record attempt on the rarely run distance designed to lift the spirits of the World Indoor champion.
The 23-year-old had the 5:25.36 World record of Ireland’s Sonia O’Sullivan in her sights. That time was run by O’Sullivan - a member of the stadium audience tonight - in much warmer conditions in 1994, and the time was described as a tough target by meeting director Wilfried Meert who has learnt a thing or two about setting up successful World record bids over the 33 editions of this meeting’s history.
In a largely solo run effort Burka, with the aid of two pace makers, did her very best (1200m - 3:16.33, compared with 3:17.78 for O'Sullivan) and reached the bell in 4:23.70, just outside O'Sullivan's 4:23.48. The difference tonight was that the Ethiopian was alone whereas the Irishwoman in her record run had been pursued by Yvonne Murray all the way to the finish. Without that extra spur Burka relatively died on the last lap. She still finished in an African record of 5:30.19, improving the 5:31.52 of Kenyan Vivian Cheruiyot set earlier this year (Eugene 7 Jun 09). Cheruiyot, the World 5000m champion finished second tonight in 5:35.46, just ahead of compatriot Mercy Cherono (5:35.65).
“If you go for a World record, you can’t be happy with this time. Of course the weather is not ideal and I’m still in very good shape. I look out for Thessaloniki (World Athletics Final) next week… I still want to do something special,” confirmed Burka.
Chris Turner |
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Golden league Brussels, Belgium
Vlasic - 81 and counting
In the women’s High Jump, Blanka Vlasic accomplished her 81st two metres or more competition with a 2.00m victory, presenting a clean jumping card through five heights all taken at her first approach to those bars. The double World champion then followed with three failures at 2.02, none of them close, as did Berlin silver medallist Anna Chicherova who had also cleared 2 metres but on the third time of asking. In third came Chaunte Howard with 1.97m.
Chris Turner |
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Golden league Brussels, Belgium
Pitkämäki back from illness; Thorkildsen out after one round
2007 World champion Tero Pitkämäki, who was ill in Berlin, bounced back after missing Zurich last week to take the Javelin Throw with an opening 86.23m release. His arch-rival Andreas Thorkildsen with one throw completed (82.61) retired from the competition as a precaution after feeling a cramping pain in his groin.
In the absence of Kenya's Ezekiel Kemboi the World champion, originally entered but now running in Dubnica, Slovakia on Sunday, it was Paul Kipsiele Koech who was in charge in the 3000m Steeplechase taking the win from Berlin silver medallist Richard Mateelong (8:06.92), with Finland’s Jukka Keskisalo a distant but again confident third (8:13.34). The surprise was the last lap surge of American Daniel Huling whose fast finish brought him ahead of the Finn briefly before the last water barrier and eventually home in fourth in 8:14.69, a huge new PB (8:20.84 - 2008).
David Rudisha of Kenya, who had been one of the pre-World Championship 800m favourites but didn’t reach the final, was back to winning ways with a late drive off the final bend to succeed in 1:45.80. South Africa’s newly crowned World champion Mbulaeni Mulaudzi and his predecessor from Osaka 2007, Alfred Yego of Kenya, seemed to be perfectly positioned coming into the straight, respectively in third and second, but neither could challenge Rudisha’s charge. Yego finished a well beaten second in 1:46.36 and Mulaudzi died back dreadfully to 5th (1:47.15). Third was Canada’s Gary Reed (1:46.82).
In the women’s 800m, USA’s Anna Willard was the strongest sprinter of a large group who were together coming off the final bend, winning in 1:59.14.
In the absence of LaShawn Merritt, the reigning World and Olympic champion, Jeremy Wariner, the former holder of both those titles brought home a confident 400m. He was unopposed winning in 44.94, the only man below 45 sec, his nearest opponent Trinidad’s Renny Quow way back in second in 45.55.
The surprise World 110m Hurdles champion Ryan Brathwaite of Barbados took a gun to tape victory in 13.30 sec, though he was pushed for half of the race by Czech Petr Svoboda (faded 5th 13.47).
Yamile Aldama won the women’s Triple Jump with 14.27m.
Chris Turner |
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Post Last Edit by karambunai at 12-9-2009 15:20
Semenya withdraws from race amidst reports she's hermaphrodite
By Chris Chase
Caster Semenya, the 18-year old at the center of one of the biggest gender scandals in sports history, withdrew from a weekend race in South Africa amidst unconfirmed reports that her gender tests have revealed that she has both male and female sexual organs.
Shewas scheduled to compete in the 4,000 meters at the national crosscountry championships in Pretoria. Semenya's coach, Michael Seme, sayshis runner "isn't feeling well".
Yesterday, unsubstantiated reports from Australia and England said that Semenya's tests showed that she has no womb or ovaries and produces testosterone levels three times higher than a normal woman. The IAAF thinly denies the reports.(The organization's spokesman says he hasn't "seen" the results, whichdoesn't mean he hasn't "heard" the results. Nor has the IAAF come outand said that the reports are false.)
The Today Show aired a report on the Semenya situation this morning:
It's another chapter in an unfortunate story. It's easy to getcaught up in the sensationalized aspects of Semenya's tale, but let'snot forget that she's still just a teenager who is now the centerpiece of an embarrassing worldwide scandal. No matter how things progressed to this point (and we'll get to that later), Semenya is a victim in this story.
Butlet's operate under assumption that the tests were accurate and thatSemenya is a hermaphrodite. If so, then there are three main questionsthat will need to be answered soon:
1) Will Semenya be stripped of her gold medal?
Probably.It's hard to imagine that the IAAF would allow Semenya to keep the goldafter what these tests reveal. The rules explicitly state that a"gender verification" situation has to be approved and overseen bymedical authorities. Semenya didn't do this. Fair or not, a rule is arule.
2) Will Semenya ever be allowed to run again?
Readingthe IAAF rules, it would appear that Semenya would be allowed to run ifher condition was treated. Whether or not she would want to is anyone'sguess. But there's also a chance she could be banned from running basedon the answer to the next question.
3) Who knew about this and when did they know?
Wehaven't gotten this far down the road yet, but the next logical step inthe progression of this sordid affair is whether there was a coverupinvolved. Regardless of whether the intentions of Semenya and herhandlers were nefarious, they had to know of her ambiguous gender. Nothaving ovaries isn't something that goes unnoticed. If they did, thenat what point did this turn from an unfortunate medical situation intooutright deception?
If Semenya was an innocent running withoutknowledge of her condition, then there's not much the IAAF could doother than strip her medal and advise her on how to regain eligibility.But if it can be determined that she knew she was running illegally(which would be tough to prove, but I'm starting to get the feelingthat people knew -- how else would other coaches have known to ordergender tests?) then there could be heavy sanctions down the road.
Thesequestions will be discussed in the coming weeks and will be the centerof attention when the IAAF officially releases its findings inNovember. If you thought the tale of Caster Semenya was strange before,it's just getting started.
byk kan kes khunsa dlm sukan |
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IAAF / VTB Bank World Athletics Final 2009
Hammer Throw - WOMEN
World silver medallist Betty Heidler takes the win in the women's hammer with 72.03m
As expected, World championships silver medallist Betty Heidler dominated the women’s Hammer Throw to collect her second WAF victory.
So far ahead of the chase pack is the 25-year-old German that three of her four throws would have sufficed for the victory. Heidler, who thrilled the home crowd at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium last month in a dramatic competition, controlled the proceedings here from her opening round 70.55m effort. She followed up with a 71.62m in the second round and her 72.03m winning toss in the third, before finishing up the day with another 70m throw which landed at 70.68m.
“It was a very god result for me,” said Heidler, who in Berlin threw a national record 77.12m to move all the way up to the No. 5 spot all-time.
“I wasn’t looking for a very big throw, only a win.” This was her 10th victory in 16 starts this year, with one more stop remaining on her schedule – the Pedro’s Cup meeting in Szczecin, Poland, on 15 September – before she hangs up her hammer for the year. “After that,” said Heidler, who also took the WAF title in 2006, “I will rest.”
Italian Clarissa Claretti salvaged a sub-par outing with a 70.56m throw in the fourth and final round – throwers and horizontal jumpers are limited to just four efforts at the WAF – to finish second. Martina Hrasnova of Slovakia, the Berlin bronze medallist, was the only other to throw beyond the 70 metre line twice, and took third here as well with a 70.45 best.
Heidler’s teammate Kathrin Klaas, who was fourth at the World championships, was here as well, but only with a modest 69.50m.
Bob Ramsak |
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IAAF / VTB Bank World Athletics Final 2009
Long Jump - WOMEN
USA's Brittney Reese sets a competition record of 7.08m to win the women's long jump (Getty Images)
World champion and World leader Brittney Reese of the USA confirmed her status as pre-event favourite setting a new Championship record 7.08 in the fourth and last round to take the women’s Long Jump World Athletics Final title here in Thessaloniki.
It looked like a question of pride for the 23-year-old American indoor and outdoor champion whose best effort before the final round – a safe 6.81 after two long fouls – was good enough for second, only!
Indeed, as the order was reversed after the first three rounds, it was Russian champion Elena Sokolova who did not qualify for Berlin’s final by just one centimetre who led the competition having matched Reese’s effort in her third attempt but by virtue of a better second mark at 6.42. Actually Reese did not have a second mark at that stage of the competition.
It was obvious Reese was not to be content with second as she prepared for her final attempt; determination was written on her face.
Her approach was the best of today’s and as she left only 5 centimetres on the board she flew in the air landing well past the 7 metres virtual line. She knew as soon as she landed that she had done it and walked off the pitch confident of her achievement.
Indeed she landed just two centimetres shy of her World Championships winning personal best and 27 centimetres clear of Sokolova.
The Russian European Indoor silver medallist who was last to jump made a brave attempt to resume her leading position but her 6.67 final effort was far from her target. She had to settle for second place ahead of compatriot and World Championships silver medallist Tatyana Lebedeva whose best effort tonight was a second-round 6.79.
Former WAF and Golden League Jackpot winner Lebedeva who was also third at last year’s World Athletics Final in Stuttgart will return for tomorrow’s Triple Jump.
Laura Arcoleo |
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Post Last Edit by orgjauh at 13-9-2009 19:31
IAAF / VTB Bank World Athletics Final 2009
Discus Throw - MEN
It was the story of the old man coming back and beating the reigning Olympic Champion plus the gold medal winner of the Berlin World Championships. At the age of 37 Virgilijus Alekna took a surprise win at the IAAF/VTB Bank World Athletics Final, claiming the $30,000 first prize. The former double Olympic champion produced a 67.63 m throw to deny Germany’s Robert Harting another famous victory. The World champion from Berlin had to be content with second (66.37).
Hungary’s Zoltan Kövago had taken the lead in the first round with 65.60m which remained his best of the evening and was good enough for fourth place. The second of the four rounds turned out to be the decisive one. First it was Harting who took the lead with 66.37, but then the next one entering the ring was Alekna. He produced his winning throw of 67.63m and with that caused quite an upset. Harting then produced two fouls at his next two attempts while Alekna’s third round throw of 66.90m would have been good enough for victory as well.
Berlin’s silver medallist Piotr Malachowski (Poland) was third with 65.60 (he had the better second best compared with Kövago: 65.55 to 64.58) while Olympic champion Gerd Kanter took fifth (65.34).
“This is a good result in a good competition. I am very happy with the win,” said Virgilijus Alekna. “Next year I will try to win at the European Championships in Barcelona.”
Jörg Wenig |
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IAAF / VTB Bank World Athletics Final 2009
Pole Vault - WOMEN
Yelena Isinbayeva attempts a world record, having won the pole vault with 4.80m (Getty Images)
Pole Vault queen Yelena Isinbayeva has often described her 2009 season as “up and down”. Her contest tonight at the Kaftanzoglio stadium here in Thessaloniki was an almost perfect confirmation of her statement.
The 27-year-old Russian did indeed win her fifth - out of seven editions - World Athletics Final but her clearances were far from impressive. One can hardly remember the last time Isinbayeva was seen celebrating a 4.80 clearance like it was a new World record!
Yet the Queen of the Pole Vault was back on top of the podium tonight and that was all that mattered.
“This victory was like a revenge after my defeat in Berlin,” she explained. “I had my ups and downs during the season, so I am very happy with today’s win. I still think that a 5.20m jump in reachable.”
One of three winners of this year $1 million Golden League Jackpot, Isinbayeva used her traditional tactics and entered the competition at 4.60, a height at which World silver medallist Chelsea Johnson and two others had already been eliminated.
Like in Berlin, she failed. And one can only imagine how the disappointment from the World Championships must have replayed in her head.
Like in Berlin, she passed. Meanwhile World champion Anna Rogowska and one other also bowed out.
The Berlin script finally differed as the bar was raised to 4.70 and Isinbayeva cleared, although only just. At that height joint World silver medallist Monika Pyrek and Fabiana Murer failed three times. The Polish and the Brazilian were tied for second.
Although the win was secure for Isinbayeva who, except for the inaugural edition of the WAF back in 2003 when she finished fifth and last year’s edition in Stuttgart where she did not compete due to a stomach bug, has won all other World Athletics Finals, she decided she should continue and asked for the bar to be raised at 4.80.
After two misses, it took Isinbayeva all her energy and determination to make sure the bar would stay up. She made it but it wasn’t as supreme as when she set a 5.06 World record two weeks ago in Zurich.
Again, Isinbayeva felt as though she should give more back to the crowd and like a true champion she asked for the bar to be raised at a would-be World record 5.07. It wasn’t going to be, Isinbayeva had already given it all.
The season is yet to be concluded for the 2008 World Athlete of the Year who now embarks on an Asian trip with stops in Shanghai and Daegu.
Isinbayeva’s rise to stardom had started with her first major global title at the Athens Olympic Games and the Monaco-based hasn’t forgotten…”Greek supporters love me and I love them too,” she concluded.
Laura Arcoleo |
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Post Last Edit by orgjauh at 13-9-2009 19:37
IAAF / VTB Bank World Athletics Final 2009
400m Hurdles - MEN
That was about as easy as they can come in the ‘man killer’ 400m Hurdles. Without the presence of Bershawn Jackson, the 2005 World champion, Kerron Clement who took that World crown on the next two occasions - Osaka and Berlin - dominated today’s race.
Well away from the gun, the 23-year-old, who took World 4x400m relay gold in Berlin as well as defending his individual one lap success over the barriers, was never troubled.
Clement running in lane four was quickly up on South Africa’s L.J Van Zyl immediately outside him. As the American came off the final bend he had a clear margin over his nearest pursuer, who was by that time this season’s much improved Jamaican Isa Phillips, in lane 3.
However, while Phillips was able to finish second - later to be disqualified (RULE 168.7) after hitting the hurdle of Danny McFarlane in the lane outside him - ahead of an archetypal fast finish by Van Zyl (48.74), the double World champion was away clear crossing in 48.11 sec, so repeating his victory from last year (won with 48.96 in 2008) and taking the $30,000 first prize. This was Clement's fourth fastest run of the season and the overall eleventh equal quickest in the world in 2009.
"I am satisfied, I had a really good race," commented Clement. "I was focussed and I came here in order to keep myself on the top. The atmosphere was great. Now I really want to rest."
Greece's European champion Perikilis Iakovakis was third in 48.90.
Chris Turner |
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Post Last Edit by orgjauh at 13-9-2009 19:40
IAAF / VTB Bank World Athletics Final 2009
100m Hurdles - WOMEN
It seems like no-one can take that wonderful smile off Brigitte Foster-Hylton’s face. And why should the new World champion stop smiling?
At 34 years of age she took her first global title in superb fashion in Berlin and has remained undefeated since winning in world class fields in Zurich, Gateshead, Brussels and Rieti. She has run one hundredth of a second off her 6-year-old personal best and this was less than a year after she contemplated retirement from a sport which has seen her at the very top level for no fewer than 12 years.
Foster-Hylton took her sixth consecutive win of the year here in Thessaloniki as she once again defeated World silver and bronze medallists Priscilla Lopes-Schliep and Delloreen Ennis-London and Olympic champion Dawn Harper.
After a first false start was caused by Ennis-London in lane two, it was Canadian champion Lopes-Schliep who was fastest out of the blocks holding the slightest of leads over Foster-Hylton who was running in lane five on her outside. The Jamaican took her time to make ground over her strongly built opponent and it wasn’t until the eighth hurdle that she took the lead.
A strong finisher and her confidence boosted by her recent outstanding results Foster-Hylton seemed to have no problems holding on her narrow lead over the remaining two obstacles and dipped on the line taking in her wake Harper in lane 6 and 2003 World champion Perdita Felicien of Canada in lane 7.
On the inside Ennis-London too was in the mix and while it looked like a fairly clear win for Foster-Hylton it was close, oh so close for the minor places.
The Jamaican World champion was all smiles as soon as she crossed the line her win and the 30,000$ prize money confirmed by the scoreboard at 12.58.
“I feel pretty tired,” said Foster-Hylton. “I ran a flat race. I had a sluggish start and I had to push all the way.
“I feel very confident this year and maybe that was key to a successful season. This was my last big goal of the season,” she concluded.
It took a photo finish reading to determine the minor medals as the next four athletes were all credited with 12.61. Harper was given the nod for second with Ennis-London in third and the Canadian pair of Lopes-Schliep and Felicien in fourth and fifth respectively.
“I enjoyed the race,” second runner-up Harper. “Second place in a good result. I would like to thank the crowd for their support. They helped me a lot.”
Foster-Hylton’s smile will now please crowds in Shanghai and Daegu before the World champion takes a well deserved break.
Laura Arcoleo |
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IAAF / VTB Bank World Athletics Final 2009
3000m Steeplechase - WOMEN
Ruth Bisibori Nyangau of Kenya, a runaway winner of the women's 3000m steeplechase (Getty Images)
Bouncing back from a sub-par performance at the World Championships, Ruth Bisibori dominated the women’s Steeplechase with a solid – and quick – season-capping victory.
Running at the front and alone virtually from the gun, the 21-year-old Kenyan, who took the 2007 African Games title running barefoot, clocked 9:13.43, a WAF record which was just 0.27 seconds shy of her personal best set earlier this season.
Less than two laps into the contest, Bisibori was already a few steps ahead of her compatriot Milcah Chemos, who took surprise bronze in Berlin. With three laps remaining she extended her lead to five metres, and to more than 10 a lap later.
“I trained very hard this year and I was aiming for a good result here,” said Bisibori, who finished a disappointing seventh at the World Championships. Two years ago she was fourth in Osaka when still running as a junior.
“The body didn’t respond in Berlin,” said Bisibori, who took victories in Doha and Oslo this season. “This is my first major championship win and I expect more in the future.” Financially, it was her biggest as well, bagging her $30,000.
Likewise Chemos was never threatened for the runner-up spot. The 23-year-old newcomer to the event after dabbling with the 800 and 1500m clocked 9:20.19. Gladys Jerotich finished third in 9:21.18 to complete a 1-2-3 sweep for Kenya.
Sofia Assefa of Ethiopia passed a pair of runners down the homestretch to finish fourth in 9:26.10, ahead of another Kenyan, Lydia Jebet (9:26.94), and Sophie Duarte of France (9:27.78).
Just 200 metres into the race, Tunisian record holder Habiba Ghribi, who last year became the first Tunisian woman to reach an Olympic final and this year finished sixth at the World Championships, took a nasty spill over the second barrier, knocking herself out of the race early.
Bob Ramsak |
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IAAF / VTB Bank World Athletics Final 2009
3000m - MEN
Kenenisa Bekele wins a slow tactical men's 3000m (Getty Images)
There was once again no way of beating Kenenisa Bekele in the final sprint. The 27-year-old Ethiopian took the 3000m in Thessaloniki with a great effort in the last lap. After a tactical and slow race the double Berlin World champion (5000 and 10,000 m) clocked 8:03.79 minutes and with that had once more denied Bernard Lagat (USA) a prestigious victory against him. Lagat crossed the line in 8:04.00, followed by Sammy Mutahi (Kenya/8:04.64) and Deresse Mekonnen (Ethiopia/8:05.32).
Exactly 20 days after the memorable 5000m final at the World Championships in Berlin Lagat and Bekele met again. The Ethiopian had meanwhile taken the AF Golden League Jackpot with 5000m wins in Zurich and Brussels while BLagat had just one race since Berlin, coming second in the Gateshead 3,000 m. That may have been a slight advantage for Lagat, who was able to save some energy compared to Bekele. But it did not help in the the end. “I ran pretty well but it was not an easy race after a very long season. I am very tired and so I will not run tomorrow’s 5000 metres,” said Bekele.
The pace was very slow for more than two thirds of the race. Kenya’s Silias Kipruto was the leader at the 1000m mark which he passed in 2:55.43. That was jogging speed for those runners and the split time would have suited better to a women’s race. It was not getting much faster in the next kilometre (5:40.21) and Bekele was comfortable running further back in the group, watching what happened in front of him. He then moved forward to third place with two laps to go and took the initiative at the bell.
The final part of the race was almost a copy of the Berlin 5000m final. Bekele went to front and further increased his speed with 250 metres to go. Coming out of the final bend he was in control, but Lagat was coming through strongly. At the beginning of the home straight it looked as if the American could finally beat Bekele, but the Ethiopian saw the danger coming and was able to put in another gear. “Kenenisa won once again – you know he is the guy who always wins,” said Lagat.
Jörg Wenig |
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IAAF / VTB Bank World Athletics Final 2009
High Jump - MEN
World Champion Yaroslav Rybakov wins the high jump with a leap of 2.34m (Getty Images)
World champion Yaroslav Rybakov gave us a superb demonstration of jumping with a victory at 2.34m.
Rybakov had a clear jumping card at five heights - 2.18 through to 2.32 - the first failure of the Russian coming at 2.34m when though high enough to clear he was badly positioned in his flight and came down on top of the bar.
To be honest at the moment of his first jump at 2.34 the stadium PA system was so loud with an infield interview being carried out with Meseret Defar - the winner of the women’s 5000m - that it was hard enough for spectators to concentrate on Rybakov’s attempts let alone we presume for the athlete himself to focus on his target.
Failure also came with his next attempt but then by a miracle the stadium fell quiet for his third and final approach to the bar and we watched with delight as the 28-year-old arched his back and successfully cleared 2.34 with plenty to spare. The stadium filled with noise but this time it was the roar of the crowd. Rybakov was later to take three tries, none of them close at 2.36.
All the time that Rybakov was battling with 2.34 there had still been one challenger left in the competition, Czech Jaroslav Baba who after two failures at 2.34 had moved his last attempt up to 2.36, but when he did get to take on that pinnacle he wasn’t close. Still his second time success at 2.32 was enough to secure a good second place for Czech record holder, with USA’s Jesse Williams in third with 2.29 (three failures at 2.32).
Russia’s Ivan Ukhov who had been the man to beat indoors this winter (2.40) and had taken the Russian outdoor title with 2.35m before ending up a lowly tenth in Berlin, was in a little better form but despite clear up to and including 2.26, he was a bit lack lustre not even removing his sweat pants until his last attempt at 2.29, none of his attempts at which height were close. Ukhov is not the same man of earlier this year.
There was never a challenge from Berlin silver medallist Kyriakos Ioannou of Cyprus who went out at 2.22m, though he was unlucky, being a millimetre or two at most away from success on his third attempt at 2.26.
"I was a little bit lucky, although luck isn't the only reason I won today," said Rybakov who takes home $30,000 as his prize. "This was my best season outdoors since 2002. I tried to beat my personal best, I came close, but I didn't make it. I aim to become a member of the 2,40 m. club. I will try to do it indoors. You know I prefer jumping indoors."
Chris Turner |
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IAAF / VTB Bank World Athletics Final 2009
400m - MEN
LaShawn Merritt continues his unbeaten season over 400m with another victory in Thessaloniki (Getty Images)
LaShawn Merritt again showed his superiority in Thessaloniki, taking the 400m in 44.93 seconds and with it the winner’s prize money of $30,000. There was no one looked capable of stealing Merritt’s first prize at the IAAF/VTB Bank World Athletics Final. Behind the American there was quite a gap with Chris Brown (Bahamas) taking second in 45.49. David Neville (USA/45.60) just managed to hang on to third in front of Michael Bingham (Great Britain/45.67).
Already after the first bend LaShawn Merritt had opened a gap to Ireland’s David Gillick, who ran in lane three behind him. Then the double World Champion (400m and 4x400m) closed in on the ones in the outer lanes. After 200m he had closed in on Chris Brown, who was in front of him in lane five and remained his strongest competitor. Coming out of the bend Merritt was well clear and in control, cruising towards the finish line. While Brown held on to second it was getting close for Neville because Michael Bingham was coming nearer. But the British runner could not quite catch up and remained in fourth.
For LaShawn Merritt it was his 16th 400m win in a row. “I got out smooth, though the time was not good. But you can not expect to run faster at the end of the season. All that matters is to win,” said Merritt, adding: “I think I can now be called the best 400 m runner – I have earned that.”
Ten minutes before the start of the race someone had turned up on the track: Usain Bolt! But there was no shock entry by Jamaica’s superstar. While he will compete in tomorrow’s 200m he was celebrated in a guest appearance by Saturday’s crowd.
Jörg Wenig |
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IAAF / VTB Bank World Athletics Final 2009
Javelin Throw - WOMEN
World leader Maria Abakumova wins the women's javelin in Thessaloniki (Getty Images)
The focus of the women’s Javelin Throw tonight fell on two women whose credentials have been well established, but it was a third, the event’s rising star, who ultimately stole the spotlight.
A year ago in Stuttgart, Barbora Spotakova set a World record at the World Athletics Final. A month ago in Berlin, Germany’s Steffi Nerius, in her ninth and final appearance, finally won gold at the World Championships.
Thessaloniki was an important follow-up for each. For Spotakova, a chance to end her season on a high after injury setbacks early on. And for the 37-year-old Nerius, a final winner’s trophy in the final competition of her career.
But it was Maria Abakumova, at 23 the youngest entrant in the field, who wrestled control of the competition early on and grasped to it nervously but tightly to take the biggest victory of her career along with a $30,000 paycheck.
The Russian, the surprise silver medallist at the Olympic Games last year who briefly held the European record during the Beijing final, set the tone with a 64.60m opening round effort to win by more than a metre over Olympic champion Spotakova who threw 63.45m in the third round of four. It was the third straight victory for Abakumova since taking bronze at the World Championships
Nerius made a valiant effort with the final throw of her career, reaching 62.59m to finish third ahead of her compatriot Christina Obergfoll (62.14). Third place and Kaftanzoglio Stadium will prove memorable for Nerius – her first-ever medal, a bronze in the European Junior Championships back in 1991, came at this same Thessaloniki stadium.
“The journey ends here,” said Nerius, whose signature headband read ‘goodbye’ in Greek and English.
No other women broached the 60 metre line. Olisdeilys Menendez, the 2004 Olympic champion and former World record holder, came closest, reaching 59.93m for fourth.
Bob Ramsak |
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IAAF / VTB Bank World Athletics Final 2009
5000m - WOMEN
Meseret Defar bounces back from disappointment at the World Championships with a victory over 5000m in Thessaloniki (Getty Images)
Former World record holder and 2004 Olympic champion Meseret Defar bounced back from her disappointing bronze medal at the IAAF World Championships in Berlin to defend her World Athletics Final 5000m title here in Thessaloniki.
The 25-year-old Ethiopian who is also the defending 3000m champion will again contest the shorter middle distance race tomorrow to try and become the first woman to win the distance six consecutive years.
Defar concluded what had been a conservative race with a final lap of unofficially just over 58 seconds to outsprint compatriot and World record holder Tirunesh Dibaba who was contesting only her third race of the summer after an injury plagued season prevented her from defending her World Championships titles in Berlin.
Dibaba led Defar and the Kenyan pair of Sylvia Jebiwott Kibet and Vivian Cheruiyot, respectively silver and gold medallists in Berlin, at the bell but had to concede to her compatriot’s better kick and most probably better form given that Dibaba hadn’t run a race since her win in London on 24 July.
Defar clocked 15:25.31 for what was her eighth World Athletics Final title with Dibaba holding on to second in 15:25.92. Cheruiyot won the race for third in 15:26.21 leaving Kibet just under 3 tenths of a second behind in fourth.
“I am very happy with my win after the big disappointment in Berlin,” said Defar. “I was in great shape there but I god a cold and lost weight. That is why I didn’t manage to win.”
Ethiopia’s Sentayaheu Ejigu took a compact pack through the first kilometre in 3:09.14 with Dibaba and Defar remaining at the back of the pack. As the second and third kilometres also averaged 3:10 the Ethiopian pair was nowhere to be seen near the front of the pack until Dibaba made a move with three laps to go. She was followed like a shadow by Defar with Kibet on the inside and Cheruiyot on the outside also in close contact.
As Dibaba maintained the lead at the bell it was the Ethiopians superior speed that made the difference tonight while the Kenyans had to settle for the minor placings.
“I was born in 1983 but I was reborn here in Greece in 2004 at the Olympic Games,” said Defar.
Greece may prove to be third time lucky for Defar tomorrow.
Laura Arcoleo |
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IAAF / VTB Bank World Athletics Final 2009
Triple Jump - MEN
Cuba's David Giralt springs a surprise in the men's triple jump with a winning leap of 17.45m (Getty Images)
Arnie David Giralt (NB. spelt 'Girat' in the results) won with a second round 17.45m (1.5m/s) making the top senior grade after fourth place in Beijing and fifth in Berlin. Ok albeit we are talking about a World Athletics Final and not a global championship but many a great career has been triggered off by lesser victories, and the 25-year-old Cuban certainly has the talent to take on the world, his 17.62m PB early this year proved that; it remains the fifth equal best performance of this year.
Giralt, the 2002 World Junior champion, was by far the best of the day on which his third round jump of 17.35 (0.9m/s) would also have secured the $30,000 first prize.
In second place snapping-up $20,000 was the Bahamas’ Leevan Sands, the Olympic bronze medallist who had been fourth in Berlin, who opened well with 17.08 (1.3m/s) for the early competition lead (Giralt produced a 16.86 opener), and then leapt 17.19m on his third jump to go past Bulgaria’s Momchil Karailiev by one centimetre (17.18, round two) to take second place.
Of the World champs podium from Berlin there was ‘only’ Britain’s World Championship gold medallist Phillips Idowu represented on the start list and tonight the reigning global champion indoors and out was not in contention with a best of 17.03 in round two of four.
"I expected to perform well but not to win," said Giralt, "because too many great athletes were taking part. I am very happy. I wanted to put a thorn out of my body after my performance in Berlin (5th). Now I will go on vacation in my homeland and try to get ready for next year's competitions. The crowd was very helpful."
Chris Turner |
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IAAF / VTB Bank World Athletics Final 2009
1500m - WOMEN
Olympic champion Nancy Jebet Langat takes a surprise win in the women's 1500m (Getty Images)
A year ago, Nancy Langat didn’t produce a victory until she crossed the line first at the Olympic Games. This year, the 28-year-old Kenyan apparently saved the best for last as she collected her first win of the season in the final edition of the World Athletics Final.
“To be honest, I didn’t expect to win,” said Langat, who took advantage of the sluggish pace to collect her first win in eight outings over the distance. “The race had a very slow tempo which was an advantage for me.”
Dawdling paces were the order of the day in the first two middle or long distance events on the programme, and that trend continued in the women’s 1500m. With no one forcing the pace or making a move, the tightly wound pack took more than 73 seconds to cover the first lap, and nearly 75 to cover the second.
Ethiopian Geleta Burka, who was famously knocked to the ground and out of contention in the World Championships final, made the first move when she jumped to the lead about 900 metres into the race, taking the bell in 3:14.85. But she didn’t really manage to break away from anyone, with World champion Maryam Jamal of Bahrain shadowing her closely and Russian Anna Alminova just another step behind.
Burka still led midway through the final turn, but with plenty in reserve, others positioned themselves to stake their claims for the podium.
Finishing strongest was the Olympic champion who passed by the Ethiopian on the inside to reach the line unchallenged in 4:13.63. With much of the field running in lanes two, three and four, Briton Hannah England found an opening on the inside to finish a surprise second (4:14.05), just edging American Christin Wurth-Thomas. It was certainly the highest profile finish for the 22-year-old England, who improved to 4:04.29 this season.
Meanwhile, Jamal, who came to Thessaloniki with four straight WAF titles under her belt, faded to fourth in 4:14.12, with American Shannon Rowbury, the Berlin bronze medallist fifth (4:14.18).
Bob Ramsak |
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IAAF / VTB Bank World Athletics Final 2009
Shot Put - MEN
World Champion Christian Cantwell goes over 22 metres again in the men's Shot (Getty Images)
World Champion Christian Cantwell took victory at the IAAF/VTB Bank World Athletics Final as well. Thessaloniki was the place where Olympic champion Tomasz Majewski, who had to be content with a silver medal at the Berlin World Championships, had the chance for revenge. But the American was again superior with a great effort of 22.07m. With that mark he also produced the first 22m Shot Put in the history of the World Athletics Final (WAF). Adam Nelson (USA), who was seventh today with 20.03m, had been the holder of the WAF record with 21.92 m from 2005.
The first round seemed to have started a thrilling duel between Cantwell and his Polish rival Majewski. The American started the competition with a fine 21.22m and the Olympic Champion then reacted with an attempt just one centimetre short of that leading mark. But already in round two Cantwell more or less killed the competition with his WAF record. The American was overjoyed and celebrated and then continued strong with further results of 21.75m and 21.86m. In contrast Majewski had no answer, producing a fault in round two and then adding 21.21 and 20.94 m.
“It was a fantastic year for me, but it was not an easy win today. I tried to improve after the second round, but I did not manage. However victory is the most important thing,” said Christian Cantwell and added: “My next target is to win the World Indoor Championship.”
Russia’s Pavel Sofin took third place with a personal best of 20.82m. After he had achieved this at his first attempt he passed the following three rounds. Reese Hoffa (USA) took third with 20.66.
Jörg Wenig |
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Post time 5-9-2009 07:30 PM
