Nigeria’s Odumosu comes last in 400m women’s hurdles Final

Nigeria’s Ajoke Odumosu failed to ignite the country’s hope for a medal, as she came eighth in the 400m hurdles on Wednesday night.

She followed the footsteps of Blessing Okagbare who gave so much hope in the heats but placed last in the 100m final following 'injury'.

The 2010 Commonwealth gold medallist who is also the current African champion in her event, finished eighth in the final after a difficult start to the race, cruising home in 55.31 seconds. Her personal-best is 54.40.

Russia’s Natalya Antyukh ran a personal-best to win gold, while American Lashinda Demus got the silver with her season-best. Czech Republic’s Zuzana Hejnova won bronze.

Odumosu was obviously heartbroken after the race as she admitted that her faulty start caused her poor finish.

She said, “It’s a pity I hit the very first hurdle and couldn’t recover from that. I did my best not to panic when that happened but it was tough catching up afterwards.”

Antyukh took the lead around the final curve and held off Demus, who was about a half-stride behind.

Antyukh, the 2004 Olympic gold medallist, crossed the line in 52.70 seconds. Demus, the current world champion, was timed in a season-best 52.77 seconds. Hejnova finished in 53.38 seconds, a season-best for her.