20 August 2008

GOLDEN GIRL Christine Ohuruogu is set for an Olympic homecoming in Gateshead next week.

Ohuruogu secured a stunning gold medal in Beijing yesterday [Tuesday] with victory over world number one Sanya Richards in the 400m.

And that win will ensure a standing ovation when she lines up at the Aviva British Grand Prix on August 31.

Ohuruogu underlined her position as the country’s leading female athlete with a dramatic late run in the Bird’s Nest Stadium, adding the Olympic title to the world and Commonwealth titles she already holds.

The 24-year-old said: "I am just so proud of myself. I know I can perform well when I need to. I may not have had a good season but, this is what I train all year for.

"You always have all these dreams about winning, but you never think your dreams will be reality. I just ran across the line thinking ‘I won!’

"It’s not luck. I worked damn hard for this. I’m just happy it’s over so I can go to sleep.

"The 400m race is very hard. It’s not about the fastest, it’s about keeping it together. I just knew I had to fight her (USA runner Sanya Richards) from behind. I may not be fast, but I fight."

Ohuruogu will face another top American, Allyson Felix, in Gateshead as well as fellow Brit Nicola Sanders, who disappointingly missed out on the Beijing final.

Other newly-crowned Olympic champions confirmed for the meeting include women’s 100m gold medallist Shelly-Ann Fraser of Jamaica.

The Aviva British Grand Prix is one of the key sporting events taking place in 2008 as part of NewcastleGateshead’s world-class festivals and events programme.  www.NewcastleGateshead.com

Tickets for the Aviva British Grand Prix at the Gateshead International Stadium on 31 August 2008 are available by phone on 08000 556 056 or online at www.ukathletics.net