Finally! Richards takes women's 400m world crown

By Miranda Mitchell, World-Track

BERLIN — Sanya Richards’ wait for a major championships title ended on Tuesday after she successfully landed the women’s 400 metres crown at the World Championships in Berlin.

Running a very smart race from the get go, the American powered home to victory in world leading 49.00 seconds to beat Jamaica’s Shericka Williams, who ran a personal best of 49.32 and Russian Antonina Krivoshapka (49.71).

Novlene Williams-Mills of Jamaica just missed winning a medal after taking fourth in 49.77.

Meanwhile, another American Kerron Clement successfully defended his 400m hurdles title with towering run that pushed him to a world leading 47.91seconds.

He was not a real contender for a medal, though he was seen as a dark horse, but Puerto Rico’s Javier Culson clocked a lifetime best and national record of 48.09 for silver. 

American champion and pre-race favourite Bershawn Jackson ran back to take the bronze in 48.23, just getting ahead of TrinidadianJehue Gordon, who set a national record of 48.26.