14 September 2008

British athletes bring their summer campaigns to a close on day two of the lucrative IAAF World Athletics Final in Stuttgart today in what is the traditional annual climax to the summer track and field season.

EVENT BY EVENT

Olympic bronze medallist Tasha Danvers (Shaftesbury Barnet) took a fall in the women’s 400m hurdles, clipping the second and failing to recover.  The 30 year old finished eighth with a time of 58.40.

She said: “This has confirmed what I have been thinking for most of the season. I need to go back to a 14 stride pattern instead of 15 which I’m doing now. What I have liked about this season is everything it has taught me about how I can get better for next year.”

Marilyn Okoro (Shaftesbury Barnet) and Jenny Meadows (Wigan AC) were third and eighth respectively in the women’s 800m.

Okoro finished her season in fine form, looking strong from the gun then holding a good position throughout before just falling back to third on the final bend. The British number one, who crossed the line in 1.58:64, said: “I really wanted second place but held on for third. It’s my last race of the season and I’m pleased.”

Meadows was also pleased with her final outing of the season and time of 2.04:44. She said: “I started my season in January at the Indoors and I’ve been really tired since Beijing. I’ve started enjoying races a lot more since Beijing because the pressure is off. I’m reflecting back on my season now and looking towards this year’s Indoors.”

Christine Ohuruogu (Newham & Essex Beagles) finished second in the women’s 400m in 50.83. The Olympic and World Champion was beaten by Sonya Richards (USA) who took first place and a hollow victory with 50.41.

Ohuruogu said: “It’s nearly the end of my season and I’m exhausted but still glad I came today. Finishing second today doesn’t mean anything in the overall scheme of things, I have got the biggest accolade in athletics.”

Marlon Devonish (Coventry Godiva) finished seventh in the men’s 200m in 21.02. The 32 year old said: “To be completely honest I was just going through the motions. It’s been a bad season, it started well but because of the illness and injury it didn’t go to plan.

“I had the year of my life last year and next year I have to put things right.”

Stephanie Twell (Aldershot, Farnham & District) and Laura Kenney (Royal Sutton Coldfield) were seventh and ninth respectively in the women’s 3000m.

Twell set a new personal best with 8.05:89 against a tough field. The World Junior 1500m champion said: “I have ended my season on a high and that shows how much this summer has done for me. 3000m is integral to my development because I was to step up to 3k and 5k. Cross Country is so close to my heart, I love long runs so that’s where im focussing now.”

Kenny finished in 8.59:73 but found the line up tough: “I enjoyed it and I was glad to be in the race but they just got quicker and quicker. It was a hard race to be in but I enjoyed it.”

Andy Turner (Sale Harriers Manchester) was seventh in the men’s 110m hurdles. The 27 year old crossed the line in 13.68.