Ekaterini Thanou won another top quality sprint, surging past this season’s star best performer Gail Devers to give Greece a surprise victory.
Devers had the best start but Thanou was not far behind and turned on the turbo at the 50 metre point, moving clear before stopping the clock at 6.96. It was her second sub 7 second run of the day.
Devers finished in 7.02 with her countrywoman Inger Miller outdipping Philomina Mensah for bronze (and $10,000) by just 1 100th - 7.06 to 7.07.
Note:
In October 2001, it was disclosed that Miller had failed a doping control test for caffeine in Maebashi. The sanction for this offence was disqualification and a public warning, so Mensah was promoted to the bronze medal position. The delay in announcing the result was due to lengthy hearings and appeal procedures.
Flash quotes:
Gold Medallist - THANOU Ekaterini (GRE)
"Before the final I told myself that I can win the race, all I have to do is run fast (smiling). I was expecting to run under 7 seconds but not by that much. The track was amazing, it is really really fast, and I seem to have made good use of it."
Silver Medallist - DEVERS Gail (USA)
"I am glad to be back, what the future will bring now we will just have to see! It has been a long time to get back from injury, there is always the possibility that you are out of the competitive environment for too long. As to my present physical condition I still have some problems with my hamstring and that is a sign to shut everything down and get some rest.
In the summer I will try both the 100 and 100 hurdles at Seville."
Bronze Medallist - MILLER Inger (USA)
"I cannot be anything but excited. This is my first indoor season. It is sort of like job training for me working on so many different things, and finally I am starting to feel it. That is why I think I am running so well here. I cannot wait to call my Dad, I am so excited."
