First major title makes Oliver weep

Emotion overcomes US hurdler after posting year's fastest time

David Oliver of the United States won his first major title on Monday, claiming the 110 meters hurdles crown at the world athletics championships in Moscow.

The 31-year-old 2008 Olympic bronze medalist posted the fastest time of the year, 13.00 sec, while compatriot Ryan Wilson took silver at 13.13 and Russian Sergey Shubenkov won the bronze in 13.24.

It was a huge moment for Oliver. As he realized his achievement he sank to his knees and put his head in his hands.

The emotion extended to his mother, who was watching from the stands.

"My mom cried; she was so happy, she had tears streaming down her face and that almost made me cry," he said.

"When you have suffered disappointments like I have, you have to keep your head up and remain determined to overcome them, otherwise you will never succeed.

"That is what I did. There is always some hope that one can bounce back from taking endless hits."

Defending champion Jason Richardson finished fourth after hitting the final hurdle while Olympic champion Aries Merritt was never in contention and finished sixth.

Oliver led from the start and was never in trouble as he hurdled prfectly, not touching any on his way to a title that his great talent had promised but never before delivered when it really mattered.

"It feels good after all the hard work I did, all the sacrifices and forcing myself into the gym and the track work as well," he said.

"Now I feel tired. However, this is a different type of tiredness to the previous occasions. Those were tinged with despair, this time I just feel delight.

"Now I know how others have felt to be the world champion."

Wilson, another veteran at 32, also had a proud mother in the stands.

"I am so proud and so excited and I rushed over and gave my mom a hug. She is like a lucky charm for me as I always run well when she is in the house."

While Oliver was perfect and Wilson produced the performance of his life, it was a different story for their two more celebrated compatriots.

Richardson, whose No 1 status had been dismantled last year when Merritt won in London and then broke the world record shortly after, looked set for bronze until he clattered the last hurdle.

The 27-year-old stumbled and it was enough for Shubenkov to take advantage and move up into third.

Merritt, who has had a disappointing season affected by injury and poor form, trailed from the blocks and any chance of a medal disappeared as he hit two hurdles.

(China Daily 08/14/2013 page23)