FOSTER -File photoClayton Goodwin, Contributor
LONDON:
BRIGITTE FOSTER won the Women's 100 metres hurdles from the front in 12.65 seconds in the Norwich Union Grand Prix at the Crystal Palace London before a capacity 17 000 crowd.
On a cool, balmy late summer evening the 27-year-old Jamaican took an early lead against a strong international field and held it to keep 35-year-old American stalwart Gail Devers and recently-crowned European champion Glory Alozie of Spain in second and third places in 12.01 and 12.84 respectively.
Foster's compatriots Vonette Dixon was sixth in 13.07 and Lancena Golding-Clarke seventh in 13.12.
Foster was pleased with her win.
"It's not the best conditions for sprinting but a victory is a victory. I don't know if the track is a little slow or if it's me or what, but I am pleased. I am happy. I expected to put down a good performance. I am in great shape. I expected to run well here in London where there is a large Jamaican contingent. I have friends and relatives watching me and it was important for me to put on a good show for them," she said.
Marion Jones proved herself to be without doubt the queen of the track in the 100 metres.
In what was billed as the "showdown of the champions" she defeated Zhanna Pintusevich-Block who beat her in the world championships, in 10.97 seconds to 11.11. It was their first clash in the Grand Prix/Golden League this year - Jones has won 12 out of 12 - and the Ukrainean's first appearance. Jamaica's Olympic bronze medalist Tayna Lawrence was fourth in 11.17 behind third place Chryste Gaines of the United States.
In the men's 100 metres Dwain Chambers rehabilitated himself in front of an English crowd with his first home victory since failing to complete the race in the Commonwealth Games at Manchester.
He has since won the European Championship in Munich but this victory in front of his home crowd was particularly satisfying. He won in 9.98 with American Tim Montgomery second in 10.05 and pre-race favourite Maurice Greene third in 10.06. The Americans had attributed his victories earlier in the summer to their lack of preparation for the European campaign - there could be no such excuse this time.
The "end of term" atmosphere was enhanced by the reception given to hurdler Colin Jackson. He may have finished only third this time but it was his last appearance in a major outdoor meeting in Britain before his retirement.
Jackson has been winning medals since 1986.
He said: "What a feeling. Thank God for the crowd. I wanted to cry on the line. It was amazing, such emotions. It's been a long time and I really appreciate what athletics has done for me - it's given Colin Jackson a voice. I didn't think how I was going to feel before tonight, but when they announced my name I thought God, I am not even going to be able to run. I am sorry I didn't win, but losing to Allen Johnson is hardly poor."
