For the past 9 days, the Birds Nest stadium in Beijing has been filled with the best athletes from around the world, and they have shown us the sublime, the bizarre, and the downright entertaining.
Starting at home, there is no doubt that Britain has impressed. Mo Farah showed that the recent doping controversy surrounding his coach had not affected his performance or confidence, winning two golds in the 10,000m and 5,000m. However, the heptathlon proved to be the most dramatic event, with Katerina Johnson Thompson crashing out of the competition after failing to collect points in the long jump. Johnson Thompson was in with an excellent chance of a medal before disaster struck, and the young athlete was extremely disappointed to go out in such a way. Nonetheless, compatriot Jessica Ennis-Hill went on to win the gold. It is incredible to think that 13 months ago she had just given birth, and was even considering not attending the World Championships.
Other stand out British performances were in the long jump. Greg Rutherford continued his dominance in the men’s long jump with a gold medal, and Shara Proctor shattered her own national record to win silver. Britain also had some success in the relays. Both the women’s and men’s 4x400m teams came third, adding two bronze medals to GB’s tally. In the women’s 4x100m, the British team did not win a medal but came in at fourth and broke the national record. However, disaster struck in the men’s 4x100m relay, with the British team dropping the baton much to their frustration.
As always, Usain Bolt was in the headlines. Prior to the competition, many had questioned his ability to continue his supremacy in men’s sprinting, especially with rival Justin Gatlin in excellent form. These doubts continued as Bolt seemed to struggle in the qualifying heats. However, when it mattered, he brushed aside his critics, winning gold in the 100m, 200m and completing the treble in the 4x100m.
At the end of the competition, Kenya topped the medal table for the first time in their country’s history. They had a strong competition, winning gold in the men’s 800m, the women’s 10,000m, the men’s and women’s 3,000m steeplchase, the men’s 400m hurdles and even the men’s javelin. Jamaica finished in 2nd, the US in 3rd and Great Britain in 4th.
As the world’s best athletes leave Beijing, some will have great memories, while some will be greatly disappointed. Nonetheless, they have provided the spectators with excitement and action, and the Birds Nest has yet again been home to an outstanding athletics competition.
Nancy Gillen
Featured image – Mo Farah – BBC Sport
Image of Jessica Ennis-Hill – BBC Sport
Image of Usain Bolt – The Guardian