Harrison missed out on a place in the United States team for the Rio Games and set her sights on breaking the world record after that heartbreak.
Advertisement
The Briton was never threatened in a celebrational procession, running solo for the second half of the race and putting in a late burst to cross the line in 12.59.29 – the fastest time in the world this year. Only the top three winners get to go to the Olympics.
The quartet of James Dasaolu, Adam Gemili, James Ellington and Chijindu Ujah were just 0.05 off the 17-year-old British record, while the squad’s strength in depth was demonstrated by the fact Britain’s B team of Richard Kilty, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Danny Talbot and Ojie Edoburun came home just 0.03 behind in second.
“I tried to hold my form”.
“I want to do well, but I have to keep doing what I’m doing”.
A false start added to the tension at the Olympic Stadium, American Sean McLean the man disqualified, while they were then told to stand up after taking to their blocks for a second time.
As we noted at the time, Harrison’s 12.62 at the Trials was her second-slowest mark of the year (only her 12.66 in frightful conditions in Stockholm was slower) and it went down as her only defeat of the year in a final (she was also second in her prelim at the Trials).
The defending gold medalist looked like he’s ready for Rio, winning his 200-meter race in 19.89 seconds at the London Diamond League meet.
Bolt won gold in the 100 and the 00-meter sprint.
The short portrays a young, energetic Usain Bolt who through help from his coach and his mother, grows into the Olympic champion we know today.
Bolt pulled out of the 100 final in the Jamaican trials last month with a hamstring strain and was short of sharpness in every aspect at the London Diamond League.
Harrison, who won’t be competing in Rio due to incredibly stupid qualification procedures, has consistently been among the top hurdlers in the world over the past two years.
The best British performance of the night came from Laura Muir, who broke Kelly Holmes’ national 1500m record with a hugely impressive run.
Even sweeter for Harrison was finishing ahead of compatriots Brianna Rollins and Kristi Castlin, who both qualified for the Olympics ahead of her. Initially I saw 12.5 and I was just happy to come out here and win.
Bolt rarely has anything to prove to anyone.
The Scot powered well clear of the field to win in 3:57.49, a time which ranks her second in the world this year and makes her a real medal contender in Rio.
“I thought I was in four-minute shape, but to get the record here in the London 2012 Olympic stadium is unbelievable”. I could see the time counting down and just thought, “Oh my god, we are going to do it”. “I could feel the rust”.
“It’s his first 200 of the season and to run sub-20 is phenomenal”.
Gatlin, considered his main 100m rival, was among those who claimed the Jamaican – who has struggled with a hamstring injury – got preferential treatment he would not receive were he American.
“I felt it was a joke”, the Bolt said.
“I’m getting there”, Bolt said after the race.
Advertisement
The 23-year-old said: “I’m over the moon with that”.
