by Stuart Weir
Brits in Brussels
GB was well represented in the Diamond League Final in Brussels, with some athletes wanting to build on a good season and others wanting to salvage something after a disappointing Olympics.
Men’s 400
A solid British performance was expected in the men’s 400, but the night’s performance was unexpected. Olympic silver medalist Matt Hudson-Smith was the favorite in the race, but he pulled up about halfway around, leaving Charlie Dobson to win in 44.49 from Kirani James. Dobson commented afterward: “The race went really well. I was really able to push myself tonight. I could never have imagined winning tonight, so I am so happy. I just tried to run my own race and to enjoy myself. This is really promising for next year”.
Women’s 100m and 200m
Dina Asher-Smith was second in 10.92 behind her training partner, Julian Alfred, and Darryl Neita fourth in 11.14. The times reflect that it was a bitterly cold evening. Asher-Smith said: “I’m really happy for Julien; she’s continuing her journey as the champion that she is. At the end of the day, you always want to run fast. It doesn’t matter if it’s the season’s first or last race. Of course, I wanted to win, but I am pleased that Julien, with whom I train daily, and I finished 1 and 2. This performance has encouraged me a lot for next year. I’m used to European weather, but it was still cold today. Paris was frustrating for me. It sucks, but I was glad to rectify it afterward. So, bar one day, this has been a good year”.
Neita said: “I am happy to get through it healthy in one piece because it was freezing, and I wanted to run in all my layers. I did my best, but I’m thrilled with the season I’ve had. Not so much after the championships, but I wanted to show myself I could keep going. Next year will be a really long season, and I know when I need to be ready, I’ll always be ready. I’m really proud of myself for finishing”.
Darryl Neita was second in the 200 in 22.45, commenting: “I am so happy. It was such an incredible season for me. After the Olympics in Paris, I was at such a high level. I am so happy to finish the season today. I am in second place in the Diamond League, healthy, and at peace. I can tell you: I am ready for the holidays now. Of course, I wanted to win, but I had Brittany Brown in the race and knew she was in great form. She got a medal in Paris, so I knew it would be a good race in the home straight. I did my best. I give this race a 7/10 and a 10/10 for my whole season”. I have known Darryl since 2016, have seen her in three Olympics, and am always grateful to her for her honest comments after races. Training partner Any Hunt was sixth in 23.09. She told me she had started the race well but cramped badly towards the finish.
Women’s 800
Mary Moraa won the race (1:56.56), with the top seven finishing in under 2 minutes. Georgia Bell—indeed the GB athlete of the year, having come from nowhere to win World Indoor and Olympic medals in a year—was second in 1:57.50, and Jemma Reekie was fourth in 1:59.13.
Bell said afterward: “I tried to give myself the best shot of racing Mary, but you know she is finishing so strong. The track is so fast, and I am happy we are still running in 1:57 this late in the season. Honestly, this season has been incredible. I had never done a Diamond League before May. I just know that there is so much going on behind the scenes. I would have never believed I could finish second here one year ago. A lot has changed in the last six months. Just keep going, even if it’s an unconventional path. It doesn’t mean it’s impossible; you keep working and will get there. I am glad that I didn’t give up”.
Jemma Reekie commented: “My race was OK today. I ran it well; my season was OK – obviously, I had a few 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 her fantastic season. “I was pleased to run 1:57 and 3.58 on consecutive days,” adding, “That’s a wrap. It’s my 27th race of the season, and my legs were tired”.
Pole Vault
Molly Caudrey was fourth with 4.80 in the pole vault, one of three athletes to clear 4.80 and fail at 4.88, which only Nina Kennedy achieved. Caudery shared that she had been injured immediately after the Olympics: “It was pretty rocky post-Olympics. In my first competition after the Olympics, I tore my calf. I’m pretty happy that I could go out and end the season on a high note”.
Men’s 800
Ben Pattison was ninth in the 800m in 1:44.64, having never been involved in the primary race.
See longer Athletics Weekly interviews:
Molly Caudery
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
Daryll Neita
https://twitter.com/i/status/1834690361836314702
Dina Asher-Smith
https://twitter.com/i/status/1834681735637860730
