Ryan Brathwaite Gold in 110m hurdles in Berlin 2009
Little known Ryan Brathwaite of Barbados claimed a surprise win in the men’s 110 meters hurdles final at the World Athletics Championships here on Thursday.
The 21-year-old Brathwaite, who failed to reach the finals at the Beijing Olympic Games and Osaka worlds 2007, beat American veteran Terrence Trammell in a photo finish to win the gold in 13.14 seconds.
Trammell, silver medalist two years ago, won the silver in 13.15, his compatriot David Payne, silver winner at last year’s Olymic Games and third placer in Osaka, won the bronze again, also in 13.15.
“This is just great!” said Brathwaite. “It did happen. I am very happy. This is due to hard work. And my dream really has come true.”
He added, “My coach told me that I am going to win the gold medal. Barbados is only a small country, but I showed the world who I am. It was a very competitive race, shocking and exciting.
“I am just grateful of myself. I just want to maintain my strength this year and the next years until the next Olympics.”
Trammell, who has never won in Olympic Games or World Championships, was very disappointed.
“It was not good,” he said. “I hit the last hurdle and it slowed me down. I cannot afford to do this – especially not at the World championships. Ryan is a young kid and he became a world champion. It is something above his ability.”
Defending champion Liu Xiang of China, who is still recuperating a foot injury, didn’t enter the race. Olympic champion and world record holder Dayron Robles of Cuba failed to make it into the final, pulling up injured after hitting the first three hurdles in his semifinal heat. Robles had been battling a hamstring injury the past few weeks and struggled in Wednesday’s heats.
