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Richards Falters In 400

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A Tribune wire report

Published: August 20, 2008

BEIJING - Sanya Richards led in the stretch, but she was outrun to the finish in the 400 meters in Olympic track and field action Tuesday night.

Richards still won bronze, but a woman who has dominated the distance - save for the biggest races - looked crushed during the medals ceremony.

Richards was ahead in the 400, looking to write a successful closing chapter to a year of illness and setbacks, but settled for third after being beaten badly over the last 80 meters by Britain's Christine Ohuruogu and Jamaica's Shericka Williams. She told reporters her hamstring started tightening up in the last 80 meters.

"More than snakebitten," she said. "I don't want to tell you what I'm thinking right now, because it's not positive. I mean, I feel so betrayed by my body once again, and it's just such a tough break for me."

Richards lost most of her 2007 season to Behcet's syndrome, a rare and painful disorder that causes chronic inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body.

Andrey Silnov of Russia won the men's high jump - but he only got into the Games based on a late decision by Russian track and field officials after he did not qualify in trials.

Other gold medals awarded Tuesday went to 1,500-meter runner Rashid Ramzi of Bahrain and discus thrower Gerd Kanter of Estonia, who celebrated by running the 85-meter dash on the 100-meter course in about 15-flat, his country's flag held aloft.

Usain Bolt of Jamaica overtook defending Olympic champ Shawn Crawford in the 200-meter semifinals, setting up his chance tonight for the first Olympic 100-200 double since Carl Lewis did it in 1984.

BASEBALL: Dexter Fowler went 3-for-3, and John Gall was 2-for-3 with a solo home run to pace the U.S. to a 4-2 victory against Chinese Taipei. The win ensures that the U.S. will advance to the semifinals.

BASKETBALL: The U.S. women's team advanced to the semifinals on the strength of a 104-60 victory over Korea. Sylvia Fowles scored 26 points and had 14 rebounds. The semifinals are Thursday.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL: Americans Todd Rogers and Phil Dalhausser will play for the gold medal after the reigning world champions beat Georgia 21-11, 21-13 in the semifinals. The U.S. pair will play on Friday against Marcio and Fabio, who upset Athens gold medalists and fellow Brazilians Emanuel and Ricardo 22-20, 21-18 to reach the final.

SAILING: Anna Tunnicliffe of Fort Lauderdale won gold in the laser radial class. Tunnicliffe had to circle back at the start to ensure she had not false-started, dropping her to ninth, then she stormed back.

WATER POLO: The U.S. women advanced to the gold-medal game with a dramatic 9-8 victory against Australia. A goal by Brenda Villa with 60 seconds to play sealed the win. Next up is the Netherlands, an 8-7 winner against Hungary in the other semifinal.

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