Double world champion and Pan American champion Felix Sanchez of the Dominican Republic ended the 2003 season with a superb demonstration of what a magnificent athlete he is.
Sanchez won his 32nd consecutive race here in Monaco - his last loss dates back to July 2001 - and equalled the second fastest time of the year in 47.80, the fastest time of the year remaining his Paris 47.25 Area record.
In a sunny Monaco afternoon, Sanchez overshadowed the Jamaican pair of Jamaica’s Kemel Thompson and Danny McFarlane who came in second and third with 48.50 and 48.66 respectively.
USA’s Joey Woody who clinched silver in Paris World Championships could only finish fourth today in 48.73 while Greece’s and world bronze medallist Periklis Iakovakis was a disappointing sixth in 49.25.
Sanchez’ race today may have been a masterpiece of technical perfection but his nervousness before the start of the competition was somehow inexplicable.
The 26-year old New York born was indeed the last to set in his starting blocks after he nervously adjusted his now famous Sydney 2000 lighting wrist. Sanchez raised his hand in order to call for a second start and even after re-positioning himself in the blocks he was the one to false start.
But once the race was underway there would be no more trouble for Sanchez as he took the lead right from the start and was never to be threatened.
"It was a great race, said Sanchez. I was a little tired. i am ready to go home and relax, get away from track and focus on my vacation."
IAAF - la