Bolt breezes into 200m final

100m agony behind Jamaican runner at world championship.

DAEGU: A relaxed and joking Usain Bolt progressed smoothly into the 200m final at the world championships, putting behind him the dreadful false start that ruined his 100m hopes.

The Jamaican reigning world and Olympic champion, and world record holder (19.19 seconds), clocked 20.31 and never looked in danger after an impeccable start. He came off the bend well in front of the field and coasted through to the finish line, affording himself several glances over his shoulder at the chasing athletes.

“You win some, you lose some, I’m over that now,” said Bolt. “I made a mistake, I’ve got to move on. The 200m is my favourite. Everyone, all seven people in the final, are my competitors, but there’s nobody to beat me because I’m the best.”

Pistorius ends journey with historic silver

Oscar Pistorius’ history-making participation at the world championships ended with a silver medal after his teammates guided South Africa to second in the 4x400m relay.

The controversial ‘Blade Runner’, who runs with carbon fibre prosthetic running blades and was the first amputee to compete at the worlds, was omitted from the relay team for the final, having run the first leg in qualifiers, when South Africa finished third.

USA retain men’s 4x400m

The US team of Greg Nixon, Bershawn Jackson, Angelo Taylor and LaShawn Merritt retained the men’s 4x400m relay title. The US quartet clocked two minutes and 59.31 seconds, with South Africa taking silver and Jamaica claiming bronze.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 3^rd, 2011.