American sprint hurdler takes world title in fast 12.34 on final night at IAAF World Champs

Nia Ali ran one of the fastest times in history to win 100m hurdles gold and celebrated with her son joining her on her lap of honour.

The mother of two has a four-year-old son and one-year-old daughter and yet returned to terrific shape to beat fellow American Kendra Harrison, the world record-holder running 12.46 in second, plus Danielle Williams, the Jamaica clocking 12.47.

“I’ve been training really hard since coming back from having my kids. These other ladies have been raising the bar so I had to increase my intensity level to match them,” said 30-year-old Ali.

“I knew I was really fit all year so I was praying that the taper would work and that I’d come out running well in the first round and from there on.”

In one of the final events of the championships, Ali ran PBs in the semi-final (12.44) and final to take the title.

“This is super special,” said Ali. “I have never won an outdoor world title, I am ecstatic. Shelly-Ann, Allyson, all the ladies who have come back from childbirth are an inspiration for me and I am so excited to be able to pull of the world title.”

Britain’s Cindy Ofili, fourth in the Rio Olympics in 2016, continued her comeback from Achilles surgery and other injuries with sixth place in 12.95 (0.8). Sniffing with a slight head cold, she left the track a bit disgruntled but said it was a good step on the road to recovery ahead of the Olympics next year.

Cindy Ofili disappointed to go out of the sprint hurdles semis but she’s pleased with her comeback from injuries and looking forward to Olympic year. #worldathleticschamps pic.twitter.com/gJqI6rCDWp

— AW (@AthleticsWeekly) October 6, 2019