Li triumphs but Bekele, Bolt fumble
Source: Agencies |
August 29, 2011, Monday
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USAIN Bolt and Kenenisa Bekele relinquished their world titles yesterday when the world's fastest man and the most successful distance runner false-started and failed to finish in the 100 and 10,000 meters finals.
Disqualified for leaving the blocks far too early, Jamaican world record holder Usain Bolt left the Daegu arena grimacing and beating a wall with his hand. He then watched in frustration as his Jamaican training partner Yohan Blake won in 9.92 seconds ahead of American Walter Dix.
However, the triple Olympic sprint champion quickly regained his customary cool.
"Looking for tears?," Bolt asked. "That's not going to happen."
Bekele's sad exit was more protracted. Unbeaten in the 10,000, the four-time champion limped off the blue running surface before graciously stopping to talk to banks of television reporters.
"I didn't want to miss this race because I thought I had a chance," said Bekele, 29, who hadn't raced since January 2010 after rupturing a calf muscle. "I am glad I came, I wanted to try."
His title was taken, not by Mo Farah as had been expected, but instead by fellow Ethiopian Ibrahim Jeilan who overhauled the British favorite in the straight.
Blake was ecstatic after taking gold, ahead of Dix and 35-year-old Kim Collins of St Kitts and Nevis, the 2003 champion.
"It's a wonderful feeling, I have been praying for this moment my whole life," Blake said. "I just tell people anybody can do it, you just stay focused, pray to God."
Li Yanfeng finally got the success she had been waiting for by winning China's first world discus title.
She secured the gold with a throw of 66.52 meters on her second attempt. Germany's Nadine Muller (65.97) was second and Cuban Yarelys Barrios (65.73) third.
"I am already 32 years old and I was waiting so many years for this success. This was my dream and it just came true," said Li.
American Brittney Reese successfully defended her world long jump title with her first and only legitimate mark of 6.82 meters. She is the first woman to retain the title since compatriot Jackie Joyner-Kersee in 1991.
Another American Trey Hardee won the decathlon with 8,607 points ahead of compatriot Ashton Eaton.
Disqualified for leaving the blocks far too early, Jamaican world record holder Usain Bolt left the Daegu arena grimacing and beating a wall with his hand. He then watched in frustration as his Jamaican training partner Yohan Blake won in 9.92 seconds ahead of American Walter Dix.
However, the triple Olympic sprint champion quickly regained his customary cool.
"Looking for tears?," Bolt asked. "That's not going to happen."
Bekele's sad exit was more protracted. Unbeaten in the 10,000, the four-time champion limped off the blue running surface before graciously stopping to talk to banks of television reporters.
"I didn't want to miss this race because I thought I had a chance," said Bekele, 29, who hadn't raced since January 2010 after rupturing a calf muscle. "I am glad I came, I wanted to try."
His title was taken, not by Mo Farah as had been expected, but instead by fellow Ethiopian Ibrahim Jeilan who overhauled the British favorite in the straight.
Blake was ecstatic after taking gold, ahead of Dix and 35-year-old Kim Collins of St Kitts and Nevis, the 2003 champion.
"It's a wonderful feeling, I have been praying for this moment my whole life," Blake said. "I just tell people anybody can do it, you just stay focused, pray to God."
Li Yanfeng finally got the success she had been waiting for by winning China's first world discus title.
She secured the gold with a throw of 66.52 meters on her second attempt. Germany's Nadine Muller (65.97) was second and Cuban Yarelys Barrios (65.73) third.
"I am already 32 years old and I was waiting so many years for this success. This was my dream and it just came true," said Li.
American Brittney Reese successfully defended her world long jump title with her first and only legitimate mark of 6.82 meters. She is the first woman to retain the title since compatriot Jackie Joyner-Kersee in 1991.
Another American Trey Hardee won the decathlon with 8,607 points ahead of compatriot Ashton Eaton.
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