McLeod wins title, Merritt’s dream dashed

LONDON: Jamaica’s Omar McLeod added the world 110 metres hurdles title to his Olympic crown here 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 added: “This one is special, honestly. There was a lot of pressure coming in but I channelled it positively.“It’s totally different to last year where we had Usain and Elaine winning, which I used to propel me. I didn’t have that this time so I really wanted to come out and shine my own light.”

McLeod dominated the race leaving the others to fight it out for the minor medals with Merritt in contention until the final hurdle.However, he weakened and Russian Shubenkov, who was running as an Authorised Neutral Athlete because of his country’s ban over a massive doping scandal, burst through to take second with 2016 European silver medallist Baji edging Frenchman Garfield Darien for the third spot on the podium.

“I’m so frustrated,” said Shubenkov. “I struggled over the last few hurdles.“The Jamaican is just too fast. I’m just happy to be competing at a world champs and get a world medal. Last year was a disaster and not just because of the Russian ban (on competing at the Olympics) so I’m happy to be back winning a world medal.

“To be honest it doesn’t matter the colour of the vest I am wearing, it is more important that I gave pleasure to the people in my country who were watching.”Merritt said it felt “great to be back in London where I won Olympic gold”.

“The crowd greeted me very warmly. Of course, I am not happy to be in lane nine but just being in the stadium is enough for me,” he said.“I am not even meant to be running, so I’m more happy to be here than not be here. I am back on the world stage, that’s the main thing.

“It’s definitely possible for me to medal in the future. Everyone in the hurdling game is hurdling well.“Since I broke the world record it’s really transformed. There are a lot of new people and new talent, and that’s fine. I’m just happy still to be part of it.”

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.”After a relatively low-key night’s action, the 55,000 crowd roared their encouragement to home hopes Laura Muir and Laura Weightman to create a vibrant atmosphere.

Muir had travelled to Rio de Janeiro with real medal hopes last year after a stellar season but failed to live with the last-lap pace in the Olympic final and finished seventh.his time she had vowed not to repeat that error and set the pace from the start and, although it was not a particularly punishing one, her positive move sent the crowd into a frenzy.

After a slow second lap, Kipyegon and Hassan, the fastest over the distance in the world this year, took it up with 600 to go as Muir and Simpson stayed in their wake in a thrilling last 300. But it was the Kenyan who had the superior staying power as she drove through the line for a brilliant win to follow her 2016 triumph at the Olympics in Rio.

Meanwhile, 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.