BY AYODELE ODUMADE AT THE OLYMPIC STADIUM IN STRATFORD

The world’s fastest man Usain Bolt sent a warning to Justin Gatlin across the pond, as he won the 100 metres at the London Anniversary games in 9.87 seconds. He ran an identical time in the heat in the pouring rain.  Bolt who has not had many races this season due to a pelvic injury has made his critics eat their words.  Some including Darren Campbell said Bolt’s best days might be behind him. Gatlin who is not allowed to run in London due to failed drugs tests will surely know that Bolt is the man to beat in Beijing next month. Michael Rodgers was second in 9.90 seconds and Kemar Bailey Cole was third.   British sprinter Chinjidu Ujah came fourth equaling his personal best of 9.96 seconds, much to the delight of the crowd.

Double Olympic Champion Mo Farah put his woes behind him and got back on track as he won the 3000metres in a time of 7:34:66 with a blistering pace, which saw him run the last lap in 55.34 seconds and set the fastest time in the world this year.

Natasha Hastings won the women’s 400 metres in a time of 50.24 seconds. Christine Ohuruogu finished 4^th behind her.   Although Hastings has laid down a marker for the World Championships, we all know that Ohuruogu has championship pedigree and will be in the mix at the World Championships in Beijing.   The victorious Hastings said: “Yesterday (July 23) was my birthday I turned 29 so winning this is a nice gift and I can have a glass of champagne. The crowd were awesome here – my mum is from London so it is like a second home to me. The goal is to have a strong world championships and win a medal.”

American Jasmin Stowers won the 100 metres in 12.47seconds.  Former Olympic Champion Dawn Harper-Nelson was second and World Champion Brianna Rollins was third. British Heptathlon Olympic Champion Jessica Ennis was 5^th with a season’s best of 12.79 seconds said I have got so much motivation and coming back to this stadium has been unbelievable. I shall need to rest up after today and prepare for tomorrow. Then I can assess where I am and if I am ready for Beijing. But I do feel really positive after this evening especially with such a top quality field. I was looking for around 13 so to get sub 13 is very pleasing. As ever the crowd were brilliant. “

Zharnel Hughes of Great Britain won the 200 metres with a personal best of 20.06 seconds and proved that his victory at the National Championships earlier in the month was not a fluke.