6 September 2013

The 2013 IAAF Diamond League drew to a close in Brussels tonight with a host of British athletes in action at the King Baudouin Stadium.

The performance of the evening came from Martyn Rooney (coach: Rana Reider) in the men’s 400m as he pipped Belgian favourite Jonathan Borlee on the line to win in a seasons best time of 45.05.

Rooney, who was part of the 4x400m relay team that finished fourth at the World Championships in Moscow, told the BBC that he was happy finishing his season in good form.

In the women’s 400m, it was an exact replica of the World Championships final with World Champion Christine Ohuruogu (Lloyd Cowan) once again going head to head with world silver medalist Amantle Montsho. 

But in a slow race won by Natasha Hastings from the USA, Ohuruogu could only muster a fifth place finish in 50.95. Ohuruogu told the BBC afterwards:

“I wanted to come out and run fast today. I was trying and I would’ve liked a sharper run but I’m cool. It’s a great crowd."

There was drama in the women’s 1500m when a collision on the bell led to five runners falling. Hannah England (Bud Baldaro) managed to navigate her way out of trouble, and after jumping into the infield she stayed on her feet to finish the race in fifth in a time of 4:08.31

England told the BBC:

“I don’t know how I didn’t fall over. It’s a shame as that’s my season finished but I’m happy with my season.”

In an incredibly quick 800m which saw a world lead and a new meeting record of 1:42.37 set by Aman, Olympic and world finalist Andrew Osagie (Craig Winrow) finished eighth with a time of 1:45.34, but Osagie was disappointed with his performance:

"It was a struggle. End of the season and it’s been a long one, up and down for me. First time here and I’ve absolutely loved it."

Tiffany Porter (Reider) finished fourth in the women’s 100m hurdles in 12.78 which meant Porter finished third overall in the 2013 Diamond League Race, whilst in the men’s 100m, World Championships finalist James Dasaolu (Steve Fudge) was drawn in lane four next to Usain Bolt. After a slow start, Dasaolu clocked a time of 10.15 to finish eighth in an incredibly strong field.

In the men’s 200m, Chris Clarke (Steve Fudge) – who ran 20.22 in Bedford two weeks ago – won the battle of the Brits over James Ellington (Reider) clocking a time of 20.45 to finish seventh, whilst Ellington posted a time of 20.52 to finish eighth.

In the men’s 400m hurdles, Rhys Williams (Adrian Thomas) finished eighth in 50.13, whilst in the women’s 3000m steeple chase Eilish McColgan (Liz McColgan) finished eighth in 9:39.79.

In the field, Julian Reid (Aston Moore) finished 10th with a jump of 15.73m whilst Luke Cutts (Trevor Foxx) cleared 5.50m in the pole vault to finish eighth overall.

In the women’s T43/44 200m, it was a British second and third as Laura Sugar clocked a new personal best time of 28.66, just 0.04 shy of the UK record,  whilst Sophie Kamlish wasn’t far behind with a time of 29.42.

For a full list of results from the IAAF Diamond League final in Brussels visit www.diamondleague.com