by Larry EderThis was one of the best races of the Olympics. LaShinda Demus and Natalya Antyukh, and it came down to the final three hurdles. Anyone who does not see the quality of women’s track & field and the level of competition in events such as the 400 meter hurdles is just blind.
Here is how Natalysa Antyukh took the gold from LaShinda Demus…..
Antyukh, Demus, 400 meter hurdles, photo by PhotoRun.net
Natalya Antyukh and LaShinda Demus both went out very hard from the gun, and were together by the third hurdle. As Demus and Antyukh passed halfway, they were too close to distinguish.
The next hundred meters brought Demus, Anytyukh and Henjova very close.
As Demus and Antyukh hit the 8th hurdle, they were very close. Then, Natalya Antyukh made some daylight appear, and Demus just could not answer. As they cleared hurdle nine, Antyukh continued to push, and while Demus did not give up, she was not gaining.
Over the last hurdle, Natalya Antyukh took the lead, ever so slightly, and LaShinda Demus, as much as she may have willed herself, it was just not going to happen.
Natalya Antyukh won in 52.70, her personal best. LaShinda Demus took the silver in 52.77, her seasonal best, and Zuzana Henjova of the Czech Republic took the bronze in 53.88.
Nice run by Georganne Moline of the US, who took fifth and ran 53.92, her personal best!
400 m hurdles, 1. Natalya Antyukh, RUS, 52.70, PB, 2. LaShinda Demus, USA, 52.77, SB, 3. Zuzana Henjova, CZE, 53.38, SB, 4. Kaliese Spencer, JAM, 53.66 SB, 5. Georganna Moline, USA, 53.92, PB, 6. T’Erea Brown, USA, 55.07, 7. Denisa Rosolova, CZE, 55.27, 8. Muizat Ajoke Odumosu, NGR, 55.31
