Jana Pittman takes gold for Australia

28 July 2002

Pittman displays raw power and speed to take another gold for Australia.

Jana Pittman surges towards 400m gold

Jana Pittman of Australia (54.40) struck 400m hurdles gold in a dramatic final full of incident. The title winner gave a demonstration of raw power and speed demonstrating that technique is not the always paramount requisite.

Debbie-Ann Parris of Jamaica (55.24) took the silver medal and Karlene Houghton of Canada won bronze.

England's Natasha Danvers looked good for a bronze medal until she struck the final hurdle with her leading leg which sent her plunging to the ground.

Unlucky Danvers, who had had a perfect preparation for the final, said: “I was so ready mentally. I went for a jog this morning. And when I came back, I turned off the lights, cut off the phone and visualised the race.”

"I so wanted to bring that medal home,” Danvers added, almost in tears.

Hotly tipped Deon Hemmings of Jamaica fell badly before the race warming up, suffering a cut foot which rendered her unable to start the final.

After the race, gold medallist Jana Pittman said: “Unbelievable. It’s a dream come true. We came here to win gold and we’ve done that.”