GLASGOW - Olympic champion Kirani James handed out a comprehensive lesson in one-lap running when he cruised to victory in the 400m in a star-studded track and field session at the Commonwealth Games on Wednesday.
The 21-year-old Alabama-based Grenadan, who won world gold in 2011 aged 18 and Olympic gold in London a year later but flopped in the 2013 Moscow worlds, clocked a Games record of 44.24 seconds with his fluid, easy-on-the-eye style.
"I am happy for my country and everyone affiliated to us," said James of Grenada's first Commonwealth gold.
"I knew I had to stay composed and relaxed. The crowd are fantastic, they cancel out the weather."
James's victory was never in doubt from lane six, South African Wayde van Niekerk confirming his promise with a blistering opening half that helped him to silver in 44.68 seconds, Trinidad and Tobago's Lalonde Gordon claiming bronze (44.78).
In the field, New Zealand's Valerie Adams once again showcased her unbeatable talent, adding a third Commonwealth crown to two Olympic and four world gold medals in the shot put, easily beating the field with her second effort of 19.88m.
"I'm happy with the medal but frustrated with the distance," said Adams. "I come from a very small country and the track and field is very dominated by eastern European countries, so for me to keep winning I'll have to work hard.
"The Commonwealth Games is pretty important to New Zealand and to me especially, and I'm happy the gold was reached."
After their teammates swept the 10000m on Tuesday, the Kenyan 3000m steeplechasers were not to be outdone, Purity Cherotich Kirui surging home in 9min: 30.96sec to pip world and defending Commonwealth champion Milcah Chemos Cheywa, with Joan Kipkemoi taking bronze.
"We are happy because three of us from Kenya finished with a medal," said Kirui.
Olympic champion Greg Rutherford of England won the long jump with a best of 8.20m ahead of SA duo Zarck Visser (8.12) and Rushwahl Samaai (8.08).
James makes 400 m look easy
GLASGOW - Olympic champion Kirani James handed out a comprehensive lesson in one-lap running when he cruised to victory in the 400m in a star-studded track and field session at the Commonwealth Games on Wednesday.
The 21-year-old Alabama-based Grenadan, who won world gold in 2011 aged 18 and Olympic gold in London a year later but flopped in the 2013 Moscow worlds, clocked a Games record of 44.24 seconds with his fluid, easy-on-the-eye style.
"I am happy for my country and everyone affiliated to us," said James of Grenada's first Commonwealth gold.
"I knew I had to stay composed and relaxed. The crowd are fantastic, they cancel out the weather."
James's victory was never in doubt from lane six, South African Wayde van Niekerk confirming his promise with a blistering opening half that helped him to silver in 44.68 seconds, Trinidad and Tobago's Lalonde Gordon claiming bronze (44.78).
In the field, New Zealand's Valerie Adams once again showcased her unbeatable talent, adding a third Commonwealth crown to two Olympic and four world gold medals in the shot put, easily beating the field with her second effort of 19.88m.
"I'm happy with the medal but frustrated with the distance," said Adams. "I come from a very small country and the track and field is very dominated by eastern European countries, so for me to keep winning I'll have to work hard.
"The Commonwealth Games is pretty important to New Zealand and to me especially, and I'm happy the gold was reached."
After their teammates swept the 10000m on Tuesday, the Kenyan 3000m steeplechasers were not to be outdone, Purity Cherotich Kirui surging home in 9min: 30.96sec to pip world and defending Commonwealth champion Milcah Chemos Cheywa, with Joan Kipkemoi taking bronze.
"We are happy because three of us from Kenya finished with a medal," said Kirui.
Olympic champion Greg Rutherford of England won the long jump with a best of 8.20m ahead of SA duo Zarck Visser (8.12) and Rushwahl Samaai (8.08).
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