Tuesday September 11, 2012
Frenchman Lemaitre misses sub-10 despite victory
RIETI (Italy): France’s Christophe Lemaitre, last month hailed as Europe’s best chance to break the Jamaican-US Olympic sprint hegemony, brought his disappointing season to an end on Sunday with a victory in the men’s 100m at the Rieti IAAF World Challenge.
Lemaitre, the French record-holder in the 100m with a best of 9.92, clocked 10.04 to finish ahead of St Kitts and Nevis veteran Kim Collins who clocked 10.09 and Norway’s Ghana-born Jaysuma Saidy Ndure third at 10.14.
His winning time meant that the 22-year-old Frenchman failed to register a sub-10 seconds time this season, which has been in great contrast to that of 2011.
Lemaitre, the defending two-time European double sprint champion, finished fourth in the 100m in the Daegu world championships a year ago and then claimed bronze in the 200m in a French record of 19.80.
He skipped the 100m at the London Olympics, but after clocking 20.03 in the semi-final could only finish sixth in the final of the 200m in 20.19, with the top four finishers going under 19.90.
“For the end of season it’s good, I equalled my best performance,” Lemaitre said. “I would have hoped for better, but you can’t be choosy.
“There’s a bit of disappointment over the whole of the season because I didn’t get a medal in the Games and that was the goal.
“The satisfying things are France and Europe. But as a whole, there’s more disappointment than happiness. I’ve stagnated rather than gone backwards but there are questions that will be need to be asked to see what has to change.” — AFP
- Hosts Malaysia make a tame exit at the hands of Germany
- BAM: There will be no more sweeping under the carpet
- It’s the last $traw thanks to the BWF
- Japanese upset Danes and Joo-bong is all smiles
- Denmark not prepared to take on mighty China just yet
- Tommy not afraid to play for country despite loss
- Dane loves to unwind with her Modern Family
- Low Wee Wern fails to clear opening round again in British Open
- Cyclists give the thumbs up to world-class velodrome
- Injured Murray withdraws from French Open
- I thought of pulling out after "stupid" Woods remark - Garcia
- Garcia sorry after "stupid" Woods fried chicken jibe
- Banker Carrion bids for IOC presidency
- Del Potro pulls out of French Open
- CAS reject Murofushi appeal against IOC election block
- Cycling: Wintry weather may force more Giro changes
- Cricket: Warner fined for Twitter outburst
- Garcia apologises for 'fried chicken' jibe at Woods
- Tomic will play French Open despite troubles - Woodbridge
- Winger Ioane faces fitness race for first Lions test
RSS
