Athletics: Robbie Grabarz grabs the cash to end on a high

Published on 31/08/2012 00:24

Yohan Blake and Usain Bolt were once again the star attractions at a cold and drizzly 
Diamond League meeting in 
Zurich, while British high-jumper Robbie Grabarz also had 
good reason to celebrate.

Jamaican Blake, double Olympic silver medallist at London in the sprints, benefited from a false start by his American rival Tyson Gay – and the American’s subsequent disqualification – to win the 100 metres in a time of 9.76 seconds.

Compatriot Nesta Carter was a distant second in 9.95secs, with Ryan Bailey of the United States third.

Bolt was then pushed hard by Jason Young in the 200m but eventually eased away over the last 50 metres to take the 
plaudits in 19.66secs.

Olympic bronze medallist Grabarz, meanwhile, walked away from Zurich $40,000 US (£25,300) better off after winning the Diamond League title in his event.

Grabarz had arrived in Switzerland leading the standings ahead of Jesse Williams of the United States. However, Williams failed to go over in two attempts at 2.28 metres and also missed his only try at 2.31m, while Grabarz cleared 2.28m on his second attempt to win the prize money.

Grabarz did not win the competition, however, failing to clear a height of 2.31m to finish behind Russian Ivan Ukhov.

“I really don’t believe it quite yet,” Grabarz said afterwards. “Three amazing things have happened this year; European champion, an Olympic medal, and winning the Diamond League. I’m just so happy.

“There’s room for improvement in every competition so I just want to build on this.”

Britain’s men’s 4x100m relay team, led home by Adam 
Gemili, also put in a strong performance to come home third behind the United States and Jamaica.

There was disappointment for Christine Ohuruogu in the women’s 400m, however, with the Briton finishing last in a race won by American Sanya Richards-Ross.

Hannah England finished a creditable sixth in the 1,500m though, while British compatriot Laura Weightman crossed the finishing line in 13th.

In other events, Kenya’s David Rudisha, who set a new world record on his way to winning the Olympic gold in London, was pipped to victory in the 800m by Ethiopia’s Mohammed Aman – who took the Diamond League series as a result.

Another Olympic champion, Jamaica’s Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce, beat her great rival Carmelita Jeter of the United States to win the women’s 100m in 10.83s.