Somalia online: James Dasaolu becomes second-fastest Briton in history

Saturday 13 July 2013

James Dasaolu becomes second-fastest Briton in history

British Championships and World Trials

Venue: Birmingham Alexander Stadium
Date: 12-14 July 2013

Coverage: Live from 1400 BST on BBC One on Saturday and 1400 BST on BBC Two on Sunday, as well as coverage on BBC Radio 5 live, online, mobiles and the BBC Sport app.

James Dasaolu clocked a remarkable 9.91 seconds in the 100m heats at the British Championships to become the second-fastest Briton in history.

Only former Olympic and world champion Linford Christie (9.87secs) has gone quicker over the distance.
However Dasaolu, 25, later withdrew from Saturday's final because of cramp.
His time at Alexander Stadium was the fourth fastest time of the year, breaking the British Championships record in the process.

Analysis

Steve Cram BBC athletics commentator

"Stunning, really stunning. James Dasaolu got a great start but kept going. I said these were perfect conditions. He didn't fade, he kept really strong all the way through. We were hoping for some drama this weekend but that was a truly world-class performance which will reverberate around the globe. This young man has shown his ability. Absolutely marvellous."

Loughborough-based Dasaolu joins Dwain Chambers, Christie and Jason Gardener on a four-man list of Britons who have dipped under the 10-second barrier in the 100m.

Dasaolu looked at the clock and raised his arms in disbelief as he finished some distance ahead of his rivals.
But, after subsequently suffering cramp, he opted to not compete in the final so as not to risk his place at the World Championships in Moscow next month.
"I don't want to let anybody down and I was looking forward to taking my first British Championships 100m title," said Dasaolu.
"My ultimate aim is to be fit for Moscow and I don't want to risk an injury competing in the final."
His withdrawal will deny the crowd the chance to see Dasaolu up against Chambers, who qualified in 10.02secs.
The British Championships double as trials for next month's World Championships in Moscow.
Under British Athletics' selection policy, the winner of each event qualifies for Moscow provided they have met the 'A' standard.
Reigning world champion Dai Greene eased fears over his form by winning the men's 400m hurdles in a close finish.
The Welshman overtook compatriot Rhys Williams on the penultimate hurdle to finish in a season's best 48.66secs.
As the 2011 world champion, Greene has a wildcard entry for Moscow which means Williams, by finishing second in a personal best 48.85secs, has also booked his place in the British team for Russia.

Play media