AFTER A RATHER unwelcome break in which the women’s walk was yesterday’s only event, the 2011 World Championships were in full swing again today with six medals up for grabs.
It was a hugely successful day for Ireland’s competitors as well, with all three athletes booking places in their respective finals.
Here are the big winners and losers from day six in Daegu.
Irish Eye
Deirdre Ryan (High jump): Dubliner Deirdre Ryan had quite a profitable morning. Not only did she set a new personal best and national record at 1.95m to qualify for Saturday’s final, but she also achieved the A qualification standard for next year’s London Olympics.
Ciaran O’Lionaird (1500m): O’Lionaird became the first Irish athlete to qualify for the 1500m world final since Niall Bruton in 1995, running a confident race to finish sixth in the afternoon’s second semi with a time of 3:36.96.
Alistair Cragg (5000m): A strong finish ensured that Alistair Cragg will take his place in Sunday’s 5000m final. The Clonliffe AC man came fifth in heat two with a time of 13:39.36.
Good day for …
Dai Greene (400m hurdles): Britain picked up their first gold medal at Daegu 2011 courtesy of reigning European champion Dai Greene. The Welshman finished strongly to catch and pass Puerto Rico’s Javier Culson over the final strides, with South Africa’s LJ van Zyl taking the bronze.
Lashinda Demus (400m hurdles): America’s Lashinda Demus shaved over one-third of a second off the year’s fastest time to date, reversing the 2009 podium placings with Melanie Walker with a stunning time of 52.47 — just 0.05 slower than the championship record.
Ezekiel Kemboi (3000m steeplechase): Defending champion Ezekiel Kemboi retained his world gold with a minimum of fuss this afternoon, leading home Brimin Kiprop Kipruto for an Ethiopian 1-2 in the 3000m steeplechase.
Bad day for…
Maryam Yusuf Jamal (1500m): Jamal was hoping to capture a third successive 1500m world title this afternoon, but crumbled after setting the early pace and finished last, more than 17 seconds slower than the surprise winner, Jennifer Simpson of America.
Yargeris Savigne (Triple jump): The “curse of the cover” claimed its latest victim this afternoon when two-time defending world triple jump champion Yargeris Savigne — who had set the mark in qualifying — was forced to withdraw with a thigh injury after just three attempts.
