BEIJING (AFP) — Christine Ohuruogu of Great Britain produced a stunning race here on Tuesday to add Olympic gold to the world and Commonwealth crowns she already owns, winning in a time of 49.62seconds.
The 24-year-old, who served a one year ban until August last year for missing three dope tests, beat home Shericka Williams of Jamaica (49.69sec) while favourite Sanya Richards of the United States took bronze (49.93sec).
Ohuruogu, who won her world title in Osaka just over three weeks after serving out her ban, gave herself a large pat on the back.
"I am just so proud of myself," said Ohuruogu, one of 10 children and of Nigerian descent.
"I know I am the type of athlete who rises to the big occasion.
"For instance this season has not been a great one but I targetted this title like I did for the world championships.
"You always have dreams that you cross the line first, but they rarely become reality. I just ran across the line, thinking, I won!
She said that it wasn't just herself who should take all the praise.
"My coach believed in me," she said.
"He always said: 'Christine, go in there and win. Why would you want to go to the next one knowing someone's beaten you?"
Ohuruogu, who challenged and won her case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the BOA by-law which bans athletes who served suspensions for doping infringements, looked out of it rounding the bend and with 100 metres to go.
Richards, who had said last week that she thought the Briton was fortunate to be competing here, looked at that point set fair for the gold she believed was her due after a miserable year suffering from a rare illness in 2007 as she had a clear lead.
However, down the straight the Jamaican-born naturalised American started to tie up and Ohuruogu's more measured and controlled race paid off as she passed two Russians and then the final prize of 23-year-old Richards.
Ohuruogu crossed the line just ahead of the fast-finishing Williams, who had passed a tiring Richards.
Ohuruogu could scarcely believe what she had achieved, sinking to her knees and then lying on her back.
Richards, who as a result of Behcet's disease suffered such bad mouth ulcers that she could not eat or talk and dreadful lesions on her legs, cut a dejected figure.
"I'm not well. I just worked so hard for this.
"This is so devastating for me. I was in control coming round the curve and then my right hamstring cramped on me.
"It went with 70 metres to go. I feel so betrayed by my body again.
"It's such a tough break."
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