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.

walter fitzpatrick
August 18, 2009 at 2:56 pm
i was really impressed tonight by a 17 year old youngster from trinidad named jehue gordon, in his first big meet he made it to the finals of the mens 400 metres hurdles and finished a very close fourth, had a shot for the gold with 20 metres to go ,but ran out of steam.
PC
August 18, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Congrats Sanya….you are one of the many Jamaican gifts to the world. Well done too Shericka…you time will come soon. I can see the improvement.
elizabeth
August 18, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Go Sanya, I was rooting for you. …well done my J’can US girl.