Ohuruogu claims gold

Christine Ohuruogu became the Olympic 400m champion after winning a thrilling race in Beijing.

American Sanya Richards went storming out into an early lead and was miles ahead as they rounded the final bend and entered the home straight.

However, the American then started to tie-up badly under pressure and as she wobbled Ohuruogu came looming up strongly along with Jamaican Shericka Williams.

It was Great Britain’s world champion Ohuruogu who had the legs though and she dug as deep as she could to get her head in front and win the most thrilling of gold medals in a time of 49.62.

Williams grabbed the silver in 49.69 while Richards had to settle for the bronze in 49.93 .

Desire

Ohuruogu won the 400 at the World Championships in Japan last August, but Richards was not present after illness.

The Briton raced ust weeks after completing a one-year ban for missing three out-of-competition doping tests between October 2005 and July 2006, while she also had the BOA by-law that kept Dwain Chambers from competing in the Olympic overturned.

“I am just so proud of myself,” said Ohuruogu. “I know I am the type of athlete who rises to the big occasion.

“For instance this season has not been a great one but I targetted this title like I did for the World Championships.

“You always have dreams that you cross the line first, but they rarely become reality. I just ran across the line, thinking, I won!

“My coach believed in me.

“He always said: ‘Christine, go in there and win. Why would you want to go to the next one knowing someone’s beaten you?”