Oliver leads US athletes to London glory

US athletes stole the show at the London Diamond League on Saturday, with hurdler David Oliver and 400m runners Jeremy Wariner and Allyson Felix claiming impressive victories.

On the second day of the meet, Oliver failed to become the first man to break 13 seconds in a 110m hurdles race on British soil, but his win in a time of 13.06sec was flawless in its execution.

It was the 28-year-old’s fifth straight Diamond League victory, but history and chilly conditions at Crystal Palace meant he remained a way off Dayron Robles’ world record of 12.87sec.

Wariner powered through in the home straight to beat world leader Jermaine Gonzales, clocking 44.67 to also make it five wins in a row in the series in his event.

Felix had earlier clinched a meet double by following up her easy 200m win on Friday with a gutsy run to edge the longer version a day later, the three-time 200m world champion holding off new European champion Tatyana Firova and compatriot Debbie Dunn to squeeze home in 50.79sec.

“The time wasn’t great but it wasn’t about the time today. It was a great field and it was more difficult than yesterday’s race,” said Felix.

“I really had to rely on my endurance. I felt pretty good but it was a little difficult recovering (from the 200).” There was a surprise in t he women’s 100m, with American favourite Carmelita Jeter finishing runner-up in a race won by Marshevet Myers in 11.01sec. Jeter crossed at 0.05sec.

American Wallace Spearmon did not need to be at his best to win the 200m, the 2005 world silver medallist crossing the line in 20.12sec to claim his first Diamond League success this season. Churandy Martina of Netherlands Antilles ran 20.42 for second and Norway’s Jaysuma Ndure was third, 0.01sec further back.

“I ran a little slower than expected, but it was still a good race considering the wind,” Spearmon said. Mariya Savinova of Russia eased to a convincing triumph in the women’s 800m, coming through with a perfect finish to clock 1:58.64. The European champion was well clear of second-placed Janeth Jepkosgei of Kenya (1:59.16), with Britain’s Jemma Simpson third.

Kenya’s Milcah Chemos produced an amazing finish in the women’s 3000m steeplechase to pip Yuliya Zarudneva of Russia to the line, clocking 9:22.49 for a meeting record.

And Kaliese Spencer of Jamaica grabbed a third Diamond League victory in a row in the 400m hurdles by crossing in 53.78sec to leapfrog into first position in the competition’s standings.

In the field events, American Christian Cantwell’s 20-meet unbeaten run, which stretches back to September last year, was ended when he could only finish third in the shot put. LONDON, Aug 14, 2010, AFP