Felix the Golden Girl of the Diamond Grand Prix

Allyson Felix USA 200m and 400m champion proved to be the Golden Girl at the Diamond League completion at Crystal Palace in London. The double sprint champion brushed away her rivals in less than perfect conditions in London to win the women’s 400m in a time of 50.79 seconds.

Allyson said: “It was a tight race and I really had to rely on my endurance. I feel pretty good but it was a little difficult recovering. The time wasn’t great but it wasn’t about the time today, it was a great field and I just wanted to execute my race. It was more difficult than yesterday’s race, with the conditions as they, so I was happy to pull that one off.”

Fellow USA athlete Marshevet Myers who won the 100m Women’s final in 11.01 seconds said: “I knew I was in shape after last week but I was concerned about everybody out there. Carmelia has been in great form and to beat her means a lot. It was definitely possible after the heats but I still had to put it together in the race. Every race is different and we all want the win. I’m glad today it was me. I don’t know where I go next. Zurich I hope but I guess I’ll find out shortly.

David Oliver 110m Hurdles – Winner said: “I came out here today to win; I wanted that diamond league title, which was my number one goal this season when we didn’t have a major championship. I wanted to come here and perform to the best of my ability. I’ve been healthy this year and things are working out and I’m please to get a Meeting Record.

“My advice to young people is to work hard. If you’re not the best now, it doesn’t matter you can still be the best. Because I wasn’t the best ever until quite recently, you just have to work hard and listen to the advice form people who have your best interest in mind and everything will be OK.” Said David Oliver USA 110m hurdles winner.

Jeremy Wariner (USA) 400m Men, time 44.67 seconds.

My last 200 was great, I felt strong coming in and I worked the turn well, but I’ve got a lot of work to do on my first 200. But overall I am happy. Jermaine came into this meet with the world’s fastest time, and I was able to run my race and come out on top. After all of my injury problems I am please with how it went.”

Milcah Chemos (Ken) 3000m Steeplechase Women – Winner, time 9.22.49.

“I’m really pleased to have topped the all-time standings in the diamond league this year. Unfortunately, the weather was not good for me, I was pleased to get the win.”

Perri Shakes-Drayton (UK) PB: 51.48

London born Perri Shakes-Drayton, fresh from her European championship success was in great form at Crystal Palace and managed to secure a PB whilst competing against a world class field.

Speaking exclusively to FLYER Drayton said “I did my best, the conditions weren’t great but it was great performing in front of a home crowd.”

When asked whether she prepares her hair or makeup specifically for profiled appearances Drayton said: “I always look like this regardless: whether I’m competing or going to the shops I always try and look my best.”

Other pics and snipets from the Diamond Grand Prix in London, enjoy.

Kaliese Spencer Jamaica: 400m Women’s Hurdles – First Place. Time 53.78 seconds

“These are really hard conditions for hurdling. I’m really not used to it so I’m please to get the win. It was hard hurdling today and to get close to my season’s best in these conditions, I can’t complain. I was hoping for a PB today but that really wasn’t possible in the rain. I’ll hope to do better next time.”

Tyson Gay acknowledged his Jamaican support: “I’ve walked into Caribbean restaurants and people generally have been very supportive even though I’m Usain’s main rival. One person said; ‘We really appreciate you being here tody but we obviously support Usain when you’re competing against him but we do support you when you’re not competing against Bolt or Powell…”

News on Bolt

Sources have indicated that Bolt’s final preparation for the Olympic Games will begin shortly. “Usain hasn’t even begun preparations for the Olympics. He is still years away off reaching his full potential. He hasn’t even begun gym work to bulk him up.  He is also unlikely to compete against Gay till 2011.

Usain was born in the kind of environment that’s unique to this sport and we are unlikely to see anyone with this ability in our lifetime. The mountains, the sea, his diet is almost perfect human conditioning.”

 Another athlete said: “When I was at my peak, I was flying…. I was at my peak of fitness but when Usain ran past me two years ago I just knew that I was running against a super-human being. He is just in a different league from the rest of us… a real thoroughbred.”

Source withheld.

News update on Jamaica’s Olympic village.

Birmingham has now been established s the most likely place for the Olympic village. “The only obstacle is that the Olympic Committee is run by a different organisation. The USA and Jamaican training camp is in Birmingham. The focus of Jamaican Olympic business will be the West Midlands.”

Source withheld.