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Athletics

Olympic hero Ohuruogu thrills home crowd with victory

31/08/2008

Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu marked her return from Beijing with victory in the 400 metres at the British grand prix in Gateshead.

Ohuruogu received a hero's welcome from the crowd as she won in 51.44 seconds on a damp track.

The 24-year-old thanked the 7,000-strong crowd for their support.

"It means so much that so many people stayed behind in the rain to watch me, " Ohuruogu said.

"It was tough to come out and perform but I'm so glad I did and have the opportunity to thank them."

Elsewhere, silver medallist Germaine Mason won the men's high jump with a leap of 2.27 metres.

But Phillips Idowu's disappointing month continued as he finished fourth in the triple jump. The 29-year-old silver medallist, who was a red-hot favourite to win gold in Beijing, jumped just 16.42m.

In the 100 metres, Jamaican Asafa Powell put his poor Olympic showing behind him to win in 9.87 seconds.

In the 400 metres, Martyn Rooney clinched victory in 45.35 seconds but Britain's men could not repeat the feat in the 200 metres. Christian Malcolm could only manage fourth while Marlon Devonish was seventh as American Tyson Gay won in 20.25 seconds.

Britain's women fared better with Marilyn Okoro overcoming her disappointment at not reaching the Olympic final by winning the 800 metres in 1:59.49 seconds, while bronze medalist Natasha Danvers finished third in the 400 metres hurdles with Olympic champion Melanie Walker coming out on top again.