LONDON: Jamaica’s Omar McLeod added the world 110 metres hurdles title to his Olympic crown in London on Monday and jointly dedicated it to his mother and superstar Usain Bolt.
However, world record holder Aries Merritt’s dream of winning at least a medal two years after a kidney transplant were dashed as the American 2012 Olympic champion finished fifth.
McLeod, 23, led from start to finish to take the title in 13.04 seconds from defending champion Sergey Shubenkov with Balazs Baji of Hungary taking a surprise bronze.
“It’s crazy, it’s my moment,” said McLeod. “I had to win tonight as my mother (Arnella Knight-Morris) was watching in the stands. I dedicate this win to my mother.”
McLeod provided Jamaica with a much needed boost after both Bolt and women’s double Olympic sprint champion Elaine Thompson failed to bring home gold in the 100m.
“I really wanted to come out here and keep the Jamaican flag high,” said McLeod. “Usain Bolt he’s still legendary, this is also for you! His legacy to Jamaican athletics he deserves such a tribute!”
McLeod dominated the race leaving the others to fight it out for the minor medals with Merritt in contention until the final hurdle.
Merritt said it felt “great to be back in London where I won Olympic gold”.
Kipyegon wins 1,500m
Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon added the world title to her Olympic gold when she won a superb women’s 1,500 metres final in a white-hot London Stadium atmosphere, judging her charge to perfection and holding off the field.
Kipyegon, silver medallist two years ago, took up the running with 600 to go and was stride for stride with in-form Sifan Hassan until the Dutchwoman faded while the Kenyan stayed strong to cross the line in four minutes 2.59 seconds.
Jenny Simpson of the United States, the 30-year-old 2011 champion, also showed great track nous as she slipped up the inside and finished like a teenage sprinter to take second. South Africa’s 800 metres specialist Caster Semenya also powered through on the line to grab the bronze.
“I knew it would be fast, it is such a quality field,” Kipyegon said. “The best was going to win here. It was always going to be quick and competitive.”
Rojas wins triple jump
Yulimar Rojas claimed Venezuela’s first-ever World Athletics Championships title when she won the women’s triple jump by two centimetres from great rival Caterine Ibarguen in a see-saw battle on Monday.
The 21-year-old’s win came one day after the South American country won their first medal of any colour when Robeilys Peinado took the bronze in the women’s pole vault. “What great pride to see the victory of our Yulimar Rojas, a glorious athlete of the golden generation,” tweeted Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro, whose country is embroiled in an economic and constitutional crisis.
Rojas, who is coached by retired Cuban long jump Olympic champion of 2000 Ivan Pedroso and trains in Spain, celebrated her win effusively, jumping up and down and flapping her arms before going off to hug members of her family.
“It was a really tough battle but I’m an athlete who never gives up,” said Rojas. “This is a great victory for my country. I am sure they will be celebrating and having a party. Thanks for everything, to my friends, family, my coach and Venezuela.” — Agencies
IAAF World Championships results
Men
110m hurdles
1. Omar McLeod (JAM) 13.04 seconds
2. Sergey Shubenkov (ANA - neutral) 13.14
3. Balazs Baji (HUN) 13.28
Women
1,500m
1. Faith Kipyegon (KEN) 4min 02.59sec
2. Jennifer Simpson (USA) 4:02.76
3. Caster Semenya (RSA) 4:02.90
Triple jump
1. Yulimar Rojas (VEN) 14.91 metres
2. Caterine Ibarguen (COL) 14.88
3. Kazakhstan’s Olga Rypakova 14.77
Hammer throw
1. Anita Wlodarczyk (POL) 77.90 metres
2. Zheng Wang (CHN) 75.98
3. Malwina Kopron (POL) 74.76
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