American Sanya Richards stays in running for $1 million jackpot, wins 400 meters in Zurich
By APFriday, August 28, 2009
American Richards in hunt for $1 million jackpot
ZURICH — World champion Sanya Richards of the United States stayed in the hunt for a $1 million jackpot by cruising to victory in the 400 meters at the Weltklasse Golden League meet.
Richards won in 48.94 seconds on Friday, the fastest time in the world this year. Allyson Felix of the United States, the 200-meter world champion in Berlin last week, was second in 49.83. Shericka Williams of Jamaica, the 400 silver medalist, was third in 50.40.
“I stayed in my race and waited till the top when I knew I’d be strong,” Richards said. “The jackpot for some reason doesn’t add a lot of pressure or stress on me. I’m going in very confident that as long as I execute I know I can win.”
Richards needs to win the 400 in the last Golden League meet in Brussels next week to be one of the jackpot winners. The jackpot goes to the athletes who win their event in all six of the Golden League meets.
Carmelita Jeter of the United States won the 100 in 10.86. Kerron Stewart of Jamaica finished second in 11.04, losing her chance for a share of the jackpot.
David Rudisha Of Kenya won the 800 in 1:43.52. Alfred Kirwa Yego of Kenya was second, followed by world champion Mbulaeni Mulaudzi of South Africa.
Dwight Thomas of Jamaica nipped world silver medalist Terrence Trammell of the United States in the 100 hurdles, winning in a national record time of 13.16. Trammell clocked 13.17 and world champion Ryan Brathwaite of Barbados was third in 13.27.
In the 3,000-meter steeplechase, world champion Ezekiel Kemboi of Kenya beat bronze medalist Bouabdallah Tahri of France, while silver medalist Richard Mateelong of Kenya finished fifth.
