Perfect timing from the raining champion as Ohuruogu lays down Olympic marker
PUBLISHED: 18:33, 14 July 2012 | UPDATED: 21:53, 14 July 2012
The most dramatic rain of the day arrived in early evening, drenching the athletes who huddled together on the open-top bus.
But they waved bravely and smiled gallantly as they toured the sodden track. And the Crystal Palace crowd responded in kind; ignoring the weather and bellowing encouragement to Britain's Olympians as the bus rumbled on.
When it rounded the top bend, before disappearing from sight, we caught a glimpse of the destination board, gleaming through the gathering gloom. It bore a single word: 'Stratford'.
Queen of the Palace: Christine Ohuruogu storms to 400m victory in horrendous conditions at the London stadium
The leader of the pack: Christine Ohuruogu beats Amantle Montsho, Natasha Hastings and Rosemarie Whyte at Crystal Palace
The patience of the fans had been sorely tested, both by the wretched July weather and the belated withdrawal of the enigmatic triple jumper Phillips Idowu. But their faith was intact and their spirits had just been lifted by one of the most dependable acts that British athletics has to offer.
Christine Ohuruogu is the reigning Olympic and former world 400metres champion. As such, she possesses the priceless ability to deliver her finest performances on the grandest occasions. Yesterday, in the final event of a hectic weekend, she gave notice that her gift has not deserted her.
Matched with Botswana's current world champion Amantle Montsho, she watched her rival streak away at suicidal pace. Declining to panic, Ohuruogu tracked her prudently and overhauled her slowly, remorselessly. Coming off the final bend, Christine backed her superior strength as the fans drove her forward.
She drove herself all the way to the line, coming home comfortably in 50.42 secs. It was her fastest time in three years and it prompted a host of golden dreams.
Not a woman to be easily carried away, she thanked the crowd for hanging on. She admitted that the victory was 'nice' and that: 'It's been a really long road since 2008, really tough. It's good to know I'm fit and healthy and have done my work.'
She also conceded that conditions were 'nasty', but added: 'I don't think too much about conditions, I just put the race together, talk to my coach, work on what I have to work on and get back to work on Monday. We've still got three weeks' work to do, working continuously, sharpening up for London.'
Happy when it rains: Christine Ohuruogu celebrates victory in the 400m
She does not allow herself to dwell on thoughts of gold. 'I don't hear that talk,' she says. 'I just focus on my race plan, don't get involved in all the noise and hype - just make sure I am in a good frame of mind and do what I have to do on the track.' As you will see, she is not a woman whose head is lightly turned. But the signs are familiar, and they are hopeful.
In truth, those Palace fans were relieved to see Ohuruogu in such form, since the day had asked more questions than it answered. They had been mightily encouraged by the form of Perri Shakes-Drayton and Mo Farah on Friday evening, but Idowu's 11th-hour withdrawal with a reported hip injury had dimmed the opt imistic mood.
Since Idowu and the national coach, Charles van Commenee, communicate only by rumour, it is never easy to establish the truth of his actions. Earlier in the week, the Olympic silver medallist denied having been injured: 'I've not mentioned anything about an injury.
No one's actually heard the words come out of my mouth, from my coach or from any of my representatives, so I've kind of just let that rumour mill just stir itself.' Yesterday, he tweeted: 'Sorry to have to pull out. Slight bit of muscle tightness. I will be fine in a day or 2.' He insists his Olympic ambitions remain intact. We shall see.
One who will certainly be there, and with a contender's chance of a medal of some metal, is the seasoned javelin thrower Goldie Sayers. Fourth in Beijing, she demonstrated that she, too, has that knack of timing as she threw a British record of 66.17m.
Good form: Goldie Sayers had one of her best days ever
'It was just a special moment,' she said. 'Sometimes you have to enjoy being in great shape and great form. The last time I threw a personal best was in the Olympic final. Obviously I'm going to have to throw a lot further in the Olympic stadium, but I do think it would be to my benefit if it rained, that's for sure.'
Presented with a $5,000 cheque from Aviva, she announced: 'The drinks are on me,' - not a phrase we often hear from the mouth of a self-denying, finely tuned athlete.
The saddest sight of the day was that of Tiffany Porter breaking down with a back injury in the high hurdles and disappearing in floods of tears with her Olympic place in jeopardy. Most surprising was the defeat of Australia's Sally Pearson in the final of that event. One of those who had hitherto been considered a near certainty for gold, having won 31 of her 32 races, she was overtaken by the gifted American Kellie Wells.
But then, nothing is certain, everything is to play for and soon the merry madness will be upon us. It was a thought to delight a sporting nation as we watched that bus with its cargo of dreamers disappear into the July murk. On its way to Stratford.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/othersports/article-2173582/Christine-Ohuruogu-lays-Olympic-marker-dominant-performance-London.html#ixzz20dnBUHzl
