Rawlinson wins 400m hurdles gold

25 August - 2 September

Australian Jana Rawlinson claimed gold in the 400m hurdles on Thursday at the World Championships in Osaka.

The 24-year-old, coached by husband and former British 400m hurdler Chris Rawlinson, regained the title she won in 2003 after clocking 53.31 seconds.

She held off the challenge of Russia's reigning champion and world record holder Yuliya Pechonkina (53.50) and Anna Jesien (53.92) to take goal.

Great Britain's Natasha Danvers-Smith was eighth with a time off 54.94.

"I went for it, but nobody likes to finish last," said Danvers-Smith.

"I ran 54.9 and I can't be upset about that, even if that had been in the semi-final it would have been the fastest time I have done all year.

"So to put together three good runs in four days makes me happy because I have been through a lot over the last few months."

Rawlinson gave birth last December and returned in her first major championships to deny Russian Pechonkina an unprecedented second straight title in the event.

"Tonight's victory is sensational," said Rawlinson. "It has only been eight months since the birth of my son. I've only been in training three or four months. "It's been a rocky road but if we can climb this mountain, this early, then anything is possible."

Great Britain's Mo Farah booked a place in the 5,000m after finishing sixth in the semi-final.

"The conditions were a lot of hard work because it was very hot," said Farah. "I've qualified so I'm happy with that."

Britain's Michael Rimmer produced a mature run in the 800m to reach the semi-finals on Friday and says he is in shape to produce a personal best to reach the final.

Elsewhere, German Betty Heidler won a surprise gold in the women's hammer.

Source: BBC Sport