The British in Brussels
GB were well represented at the Diamond League finals in Brussels, with some athletes looking to build on a good season and others looking to salvage something after a disappointing Olympics.
Men’s 400
A strong British performance was expected in the men’s 400, but the performance of the night was unexpected. Olympic silver medalist Matt Hudson-Smith was the favorite for the race, but he got close to halfway and pulled away. Charlie Dobson beat Kirani James by 44.49. Dobson then commented: “The race went really well. I was able to really push myself tonight. I never imagined I would win tonight, so I am so happy. I just tried to run my race and enjoy myself. This is really promising for next year.”
Women’s 100m and 200m
Dina Usher-Smith was second in 10.92 behind his training partner Julian Alfred and Darryl Denny the fourth: 11.14. The times show that it was a bitterly cold evening. Usher-Smith said: “I am really happy for Julien. he continues his journey as the champion that he is. At the end of the day, you always want to run fast. It doesn’t matter if it’s the first or last race of the season. Of course I wanted to win, but I’m happy that Julien, who I train with every day, finished 1st and 2nd. This speech made me very excited for next year. I’m used to European weather, but it was still cold today. Paris was disappointing for me. It’s annoying, but I was happy after fixing it. So, one day, it’s been a good year.”
Neita said: “I’m glad I got through it in one piece because it was freezing and I wanted to run in all my layers. I did my best, but I’m delighted with the season I’ve had. Not so much after the championships, but I wanted to show myself that I could go on. Next year is going to be a really long season and I know that when I need to be ready, I will always be ready. I’m really proud of myself for finishing.”
Darryl Denny He was second in the 200 with 22.45, commenting. “I’m so happy. It was like that he incredible season for me. I was on such a high level after the Paris Olympics. Very happy to finish the season today. I’m second in the Diamond League, healthy and peaceful. I can tell you, I’m ready for the holidays now. Of course I wanted to win, but I had Brittany Brown in the race and I knew she was in great shape. He got a medal in Paris so I knew it would be a good race on the home straight. I did everything. I give this race a 7/10 and 10/10 for my entire season“. I have known Daryl since 2016, have seen him at three Olympics and am always grateful for his candid comments after races. Training partner Any Hunt was sixth in 23.09. He told me that he had a good start to the race, but had a bad grip towards the finish line.
Women’s 800
Mary Moraa won the race (1:56.56) and the top seven finished under 2 minutes. Georgia Bell, indeed GB’s Athlete of the Year, who came from nowhere to win world indoor and Olympic medals in one year, was second in 1:57.50 with Gemma Rickey fourth in 1:59.13.
Bell then said: “I tried to give Maria the best of the race, but you know she finishes so strong. The track is so fast and I’m glad we’re still running 1:57 at the end of this season. Honestly, this season has been unbelievable. I had never been to a diamond league until May. I just know that there is so much going on behind the scenes. I would never have believed that a year ago I could finish second here. A lot has changed in the last six months. Just keep going, even if it’s the unconventional way. It does not mean that it is impossible. you keep working and you will get there. I’m glad I didn’t give up.”
Gemma Rickey commented. “My race was good today. I handled it well; my season was good. obviously i had some good ones and a lot of bad ones but I’m excited for the future.”
Women 1500
Georgia Bell was seventh behind Faith Kipyegon in 3:58.75, and Melissa Courtney-Bryant Was ninth in 3:59.75. Bell said of his fantastic season. “I was pleased to run 1:57 and 3.58 on consecutive days,” adding. “It’s a wrap. This is my 27th season and my legs were tired.”
Pole vault
Molly Caudry she was fourth in the pole vault with a score of 4.80, one of three athletes to clear 4.80, and fell short with a 4.88, accomplished only by Nina Kennedy. Cowdery shared that he was injured right after the Olympics. “The post-Olympic Games were quite difficult. In my first competition since the Olympics, I tore my calf. I’m very happy to be able to go out and end the season on a high note.”
Men’s 800
Ben Pattison was ninth in the 800 m in 1:44.64, never qualifying for a preliminary race.
Watch longer Athletics Weekly interviews.
Molly Cooder
https://twitter.com/i/status/1835044445483663721
Georgia Bell.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1835036097253986691 and:
https://twitter.com/i/status/1834692501149556751
Charlie Dobson
https://twitter.com/i/status/1834695608659022197
Darryl Denny
https://twitter.com/i/status/1834690361836314702
Dina Usher-Smith
https://twitter.com/i/status/1834681735637860730
