Joanna Hayes of the United States won a dramtic women’s 100 metres hurdles gold medal tonight.
Olena Krasovska of Ukraine won silver and Melissa Morrison of the United States took bronze.
However, the race was turned on its head as race favourite and world champion Perdita Felicien fell heavily at the first hurdle, and in a vain attempt to cushion her fall the Canadian’s right arm caught Irina Shevchenko of Russia, bringing her down as well.
Hayes, ignorant of her fallen competitors, carried on leading from start to finish and collapsed in surprise on realising she had won.
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Krasovska added Olymppic silver to European silver, while Morrison had to settle for her second successive bronze in the Olympics.
Felicien, who will be 24 in ten days time, made a lonely walk back to the changing rooms flinging her shoes behind her onto the track and then weeping.