×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Icy reception for Brit champ

TAINTED: Britain's Christine Ohuruogu. Pic. David J Phillip. 29/08/07. © AP.
TAINTED: Britain's Christine Ohuruogu. Pic. David J Phillip. 29/08/07. © AP.

OSAKA, Japan - Britain's newest world champion, Christine Ohuruogu, said yesterday she was "very upset and very disappointed" by the mixed reaction to her world championships glory in the media back home.

OSAKA, Japan - Britain's newest world champion, Christine Ohuruogu, said yesterday she was "very upset and very disappointed" by the mixed reaction to her world championships glory in the media back home.

The 400m winner has only just returned from a one-year suspension for missing three out-of-competition drugs tests and 91 percent of callers in a TalkSport radio station poll said her gold medal was tarnished and had not brought glory to Britain.

British newspapers also tempered their praise of the 23-year-old Londoner.

"I must admit I was very upset and very disappointed," Ohuruogu said yesterday.

"The way I see it is you're damned if you do and damned if you don't. If I hadn't run well people would have been saying, 'why did you bring her out here?' When I do try and turn things around I have scepticism thrown in my face again."

Ohuruogu, who was banned for a year after missing three out-of-competition drug tests last year, led a British 1-2 in the women's 400 final, winning in 49,61 seconds ahead of compatriot Nicola Sanders.

Sanders weighed in on behalf of her teammate.

"Everyone is so negative but I think everyone should just celebrate that she's world champion and she's run a fantastic time," she said. - Reuters

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.