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News19 Sep 2004


Women's 400m

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Turning in the most stunning upset of the World Athletics Final, 2003 World champion Ana Guevara beat the most solid 400 metre field of the year with her come-from-behind 50.13 win.

It was only the second win of the season for the Mexican heroine, whose season was delayed and ultimately shortened by tendonitis in her left Achilles. In the interim, she saw her 29-race win streak (including heats) come to an end at the hand of soon-to-be Olympic champion and TDK Golden League Jackpot co-winner Tonique Williams-Darling in early July.

Here, she finally exacted revenge. Never further back than fourth, the 27-year-old Mexican ran comfortably down the back straight as Williams-Darling, undefeated outdoors this season, took a commanding lead early on, actually making up the stagger on the field as she approached the 200 metre point. The strategy would prove devastating to the 28-year-old Bahamian.

Entering the homestretch, American Monique Hennagan, fourth in Athens, along with Guevara, were the first to strike, running stride-for-stride until the Mexican took the lead for good fifty meters from the finish. Hennagan was second in 50.20, with DeeDee Trotter, who this week announced her departure from the University of Tennessee to pursue the sport professionally, third in 50.60. For the first time this year, Bahamian Christine Amertil, fourth in 50.78, reached the line before her more known teammate.

Clearly beaten and in extremely unfamiliar territory, Williams-Darling jogged towards the line, finishing well back in sixth, clocking 51.44.

"I won't be unhappy just because one race didn't turn out well," said Williams-Darling, adding that psychologically, the final race of the season took its tool. But she's already looking forward to next year. "Without some level of competition, an event gets boring. This is a bit what happened when Ana Guevara was not to be beaten. This year there were quite a few girls in 49 [seconds], and I think this is definitely bringing back interest in the event."

Guevara for her part said "It's a bit windy so I had to take it easy and push hard in the last 50 metres."

"The time is not good but it's good for the last race of 2004 and I can continue on to 2005 and look forward to Helsinki," concluded the World champion.

BR

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