New 100 metres world record holder Kendra Harrison. 

BY AYODELE ODUMADE AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM IN LONDON

American Hurdle Sensation Kendra Harrison, who did not make America’s team to the Olympics broke the 100m hurdles World Record at the London Anniversary games with a sensational time of 12.20 seconds.  Initially the scoreboard showed 12.58 seconds but that was quickly rectified and changed.  Harrison, who said on Thursday that she wanted to finish the season with a flourish was in tears when she realized her accomplishment. The previous record of 12.21 held by the Bulgarian Yordanka Donkova had stood since 1988.  Harrison was presented with a cheque for £50,000. 

For once Usain Bolt was not the star of the show due to Harrison’s World Record. However Bolt, who  said he needed racing time ahead of Rio won the 200metres in an impressive 19.89 seconds thus keeping his record of never being beaten at the Olympic Stadium in London intact.  He said: “I’m getting there, I’m not fully in shape, I need more work. But over time I’ll be fine, I’ll just keep doing the work.

I tried to go for the kerb but I don’t think I executed well. The key thing is I came out here and won but I’m always hungry for more.

It is always great to come back here to London and compete, it is a lot of fun.”

The British Women’s 4×100 metres relay team set the tone for the night as the quartet of  Asha Philip, Desiree Henry, Dina Asher-Smith & Daryll Neitaset a new National Record of 41.81 seconds.

Christian Taylor once again showed that he would be the one to beat in the triple Jump in Rio as he nailed a distance of 17.78metres on his last attempt. He has been threatening to beat Jonathan Edwards’ world record, which has stood since 1995.  He came close last year at the World Championships in Beijing and he may well break it in Rio next month.

South Africa’s Wenda Theron Nel came third in the women’s 400mentres hurdles in a time of 54.47seconds, which was a season’s best.  Once again Olympic pole Vault champion Renaud Lavillenie was head and shoulders above his rivals as he won the event with a height of 5.90m.  Shaunae Miller of the Bahamas won the women’s 400 metres in 49.55 seconds, which was the fastest time in the world. Christine Ohuruogu was fifth. In previous years Ohuruogu has used such races to sharpen herself and often delivers on the big stage.  Although she has championship pedigree and can never be written off, the new kids on the block may well deny her the opportunity of becoming the first British athlete to win medals at three Olympic Games. There is still hope she may well achieve this in the relay though.

The Diamond league in London rarely disappoints. Let us hope day two can match the excitement of the first day.