by Larry EderThe women’s 100 meter final taught us alot. First, Veronica Campbell of Jamaica knows how to finish. Second, Lauryn Williams is back, and third, who in the heck is Carmelite Jeter? We sure won’t forget her again!
The crowd of 40,000 was treated to a see saw battle in the 100 meters, where no one knew the results until after the photos had been read!
Women’s 100 meter final!
This was a race to savor! Lauryn Williams got the best start and started her drive early, but she did not move into the lead until about 80 meters. Veronica Campbell of Jamaica was pushing hard and went by Williams just before the finish, recording a 11.01! Also at 11.01 was Lauryn Williams of the U.S who ran a seasonal best of 11.01 as well! Carmelita Jeter of the U.S. who moved through the race, hit a personal best of 11.02 to nip third from Torri Edwards of the U.S, who was in fourth in 11.05. Kim Gavaert of Belgium continued to run well, hitting 11.05, a seasonal best. In sixth was Christine Arron of France, who ran 11.08, with Kerron Stewart of Jamaica in seventh in 11.12 and Oludamola Osayomi of Nigeria in 11.26 in eighth.
The race was painfully close. The first results showed Torri Edwards in first, Lauryn Williams in second, then only Lauryn’s name was on the screen. The finish line and mixed zone were a madhouse!
The field was close through fifty meters, where Williams and Campbell started to seperate themselves. Williams seemed to move ahead, but Campbell was moving to and at 80 meters, the race was even. Williams started to push and as she began to lean at 90 meters, Campbell responded. The difference between the two was very, very close at the finish. And as we watched those two, Jeter just pushed herself into contention, running through the finish and taking a hard fought bronze medal!
Veronica Campbell of Jamaica was named the winner and the crowd erupted. What a great race!
For related articles for August 27, 2007: http://osaka2007.iaaf.org/news/kind=2/newsid=40789.html#osaka+2007+highlights+day
For the complete results of August 27, 2007: http://osaka2007.iaaf.org/results/bydate.html#racedate=08-27-2007
For complete coverage by American Track & Field magazine:
http://www.american-trackandfield.com/features/worldchamps07list.html
For the digital version of American Track & Fields’ Resource Guide 2007, including
the 32 pp History of the World Championships, 1983-2005, please click on: http://www.flipseekllc.com/ATFguide.html
