In women's action, two-time World Outdoor Championships bronze medalist and reigning U.S. champion Carmelita Jeter was victorious in the 100 meters in 11.07 seconds. 2009 world champs finalist Debbie Ferguson McKenzie (BAH) was the runner-up in 11.26.
Three-time World Outdoor champion and two-time Olympic silver medalist Allyson Felix was the winner in the women's 200 meters in 23.13 seconds, with Emily Freeman (GBR) the runner-up in 23.39. Also posting a win on the track was 2008 Olympian and 2009 world champs 1,500m fifth-place finisher Christin Wurth-Thomas, who finished first in the 800 meters in 2:01.22.
With 32 World Championship medallists in attendance, crowds at the Aviva British Grand Prix at Gateshead International Stadium Monday 31st August were treated to truly top class competition from athletes keen to confirm or avenge performances from the Berlin showpiece.
Performances of the day went to world-record-holder and Olympic champion Barbora Spotakova, who triumphed in the women’s javelin with a stadium record of 65.57m.
World 1500m silver medallist Lisa Dobriskey continued her impressive season leading a highly talented line-up home.
Favourite for the win and newly crowned World Champion Brigitte Foster- Hilton confirmed early tips by taking the lead early on in the Women’s 100m hurdles. Following a solid start, the Jamaican ran strongly with only Perdita Felicien (CAN) challenging on her shoulder in second.
Foster Hilton took it to the line in 12.88 (-1.9m/s) Felicien following with 12.95. Returning World heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis (City of Sheffield) won the British battle, on her Gateshead stadium debut, finishing in fifth with 13.28. Ennis said: “I was really impressed with the turnout and the atmosphere was great. I have ended my 2009 season now, ready to take a break and get back into a hard winter’s training in October.”
After a steady start in the Women’s 800m, American 1500m specialist and World Championships 5th placer Christy Wurth-Thomas took control of the race and confirmed her dominance striding out at the bell. Returning 800m bronze medallist Jenny Meadows (Wigan AC) responded calmly to the increased pace, sticking to her race plan and executing her trademark late surge on the last bend.
However it was Aviva UK Champion Jemma Simpson (Newquay & Par) who took advantage of the home straight lactic, making a dramatic last minute play for a top three finish. She powered through the last 60m to take second place while Meadows settled for third. Wurth-Thomas took the win in 2:01.22, Simpson 2:01.89, Meadows 2:02.15.
In the women’s 100m Carmelita Jeter (USA) took the win with 5m room for manoeuvre. World bronze medallist Debbie Ferguson- McKenzie (BAH) was closest in contention making a bid for glory in a strong start. She was forced to settle for second as the advantage was gained early on by Jeter and held to the line in 11.07secs (-0.9m/s). Jeter: “I knew I had to execute a good race with some of the women here.
In the inevitable African domination of the women’s 3000m it was a Kenyan triple lead by world 5000m champion Vivian Cheruiyot who brought the field home in 8:53.04. Teammates Linet Masai, 10,000m world title holder, and Grace Momanyi joined her in quick succession 8:54.86 and 8:56.37 respectively. Britain’s Laura Kenney ran impressively against an experienced field keeping her race to finish in fourth with 8:59.41.
World 200m champion Allyson Felix, who retained the title she won in Osaka in superb style, adding a 4x400m relay gold to her haul at the end of the competition in Berlin, took an easy win in far from desirable conditions in the Women’s 200m contest.
Lining up against formidable opponents such as Lauryn Williams (USA), World finalist Emily Freeman (Wakefield) and Laverne Jones (ISV). Felix didn’t falter finding a sure straight path to victory in 23.13 with Freeman taking second in 23.39.
Olympic champion and world record holder Barbora Spotakova triumphed in the women’s javelin despite only throwing twice. The Czech Republic star’s superb winning effort of 65.57m came on her second attempt and was good enough to take the title. Followed by Christins Obergfoll (GER) and Kim Mickle (AUS) with 62.02m and 59.51 respectively.
Spotakova said: “This is my first time here in Gateshead so I am pleased that I won. The distance was good which shows that I am still in good shape. I want to do the world athletics final as I have won the last three times. Last year I broke the world record so a repeat this year would be nice.”
World silver medallist Lisa Dobriskey (Ashford) confirmed her status as a truly world class athlete as she won the women’s 1500m in 4:13.60, running her usual tactical race with even more vigour and confidence than pre-world championships.
Aviva UK Champion Charlene Thomas (Wakefield) took an early lead running confidently, the result of fine form in 2009. Dobriskey, who had manoeuvred herself into favourable position at the bell, moved up to challenge Erin Donohue (USA) who had taken the lead with one lap to go. At 200m Dobriskey gained the edge, powering through despite a challenge by Hannah England (Oxford) who was pipped to second place on the line by Sonja Roman (SLO). Roman 4:14.41 and England 4:14:45.
Dobriskey said: “Fantastic. I was so worried before. I didn’t want to come here and finish second or third, I wanted to celebrate properly and give the crowd something to cheer for. It’s been crazy since Berlin. I don’t think it’s had a chance to sink in yet. It was amazing to run so fast in Zurich and it’s phenomenal to be just behind Kelly Holmes on the UK all-time list.”
Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu (Newham & Essex Beagles) took a win in the 400m win in a positive end to her British track season. Successful starts from Debbie Dunn (USA) and Shana Cox (USA) gifted them towards top three finishing but Ohuruogu had the edge over her closest rival Dunn finishing first in 50.94.
