

<table>
  <tr>
    <td>Men's 4x100m Final</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Unites States recovered their world supremacy in the short
    relay, after missing two editions of World Championship finals. The team consisting of Jon
    Drummond, Tim Montgomery, Brian Lewis and Maurice Greene marked 37.59, the fifth all times
    performance. The race of anchor Maurice Greene, now triple champion in Seville, was the
    key to victory for the American team, who made several mistakes handing over the relays.
    Greene received the baton behind Great Britain, but took the lead from Dwain Chambers in
    the last 50 metres to win the gold medal. The British team, Jason Gardener, Darren
    Campbell, Marlon Devonish and Dwain Chambers, won the silver medal (bronze in Athens '97)
    with a new European record of 37.73, bettering their own 37.77. The third and fourth
    positions gave also new continental records: Nigeria (Innocent Asonze, Francis Obikwelu,
    Daniel Effiong, Deji Aliu) took the bronze with 37.91, an African record; and Brazil
    (Raphael R. de Oliveira, Claudinei da Silva, Edson L. Ribeiro, Andre da Silva) was fourth
    with 38.05, a new record for South America. </td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Hombres 4x100m Final </td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Estados Unidos recupero la supremacia mundial de la
    velocidad en el relevo corto, tras dos ediciones en las que ni siquiera habia llegado a la
    final. El cuarteto formado por Jon Drummond, Tim Montgomery, Brian Lewis y Maurice
    Greene)logro un registro de 37.59, quinta mejor marca de todos los tiempos. El ultimo
    relevo del tres veces campeon del mundo en este campeonato, Maurice Greene, fue decisivo
    para la victoria final del equipo estadounidense, que hasta ese momento habia cometido
    errores en el cambio del testigo. Greene, que recogio el testigo tras Gran Bretana, supero
    en la recta final a Dwain Chambers para llevar a su pais a la medalla de oro. Los
    britanicos con un cuarteto compuesto por Jason Gardenr, Darren Campbell, Marlon Devonish y
    Chambers, ascendieron una plaza respecto al anterior mundial, logrando un registro de
    37.73, mejorando en cuatro centesimas su propio record de Europa. La tercera plaza fue
    para Nigeria (Innocent Asonze, Francis Obikwelu, Daniel Effiong, Deji Aliu), que con 37.91
    tambien lograron record de Africa, seguidos muy de cerca de Brasil (de Oliveira, Claudinei
    da Silva, Edson L. Ribeiro, Andre D. da Silva) que pese a batir el record de Sudamerica
    (38.05) no pudieron alcanzar el podio.

The Unites States recovered their world supremacy in the short relay, after missing two editions of World Championship finals.

Men's 4x100m Relay Final



<table>
  <tr>
    <td> </td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>The victory of the United States team gave Michael Johnson
    his ninth gold medal in the history of the World Championships, a new record. United
    States obteined his fourth consecutive title in this event since Stuttgart '93. The
    quartet, formed by Jerome Davis, Antonio Pettigrew, Angelo Taylor and Michael Johnson, set
    a worlkd best performance of the year with 2:56.55. Poland, current European
    vice-champion, won the silver medal with 2:58,91, 41 hundredths of a second ahead of
    Jamaica, which repeated the bronze medal of Athens '97. The race had no change since the
    first relay: the North American starter, Davis, took a slight advantage over the Pole
    Czubak. The third runner, Taylor, made the final gap, which allowed Johnson a triumphal
    final lap.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>4x400m Hombres - Final</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Con la victoria del cuarteto estadounidense, Michael
    Johnson se convierte en el atleta con mas oros (9) de la historia de los mundiales.
    Estados Unidos obtiene asi su cuarto oro consecutivo en esta disciplina desde
    Stuttgart'93. Los componentes de su equipo (Jerome Davis, Antonio Pettigrew, Angelo Taylor
    y Michael Johnson) establecieron la mejor marca mundial de la temporada con 2:56.55. Los
    subcampeones de Europa, la seleccion de Polonia, se llevo la plata con 2:58.91, 41
    centesimas por delante de Jamaica que reedita su bronce de Atenas. La carrera no sufrio
    ningun cambio en los puestos de podium ya que desde el disparo de salida Estados Unidos
    tomo la cabeza por medio de Davis con ligera ventaja sobre Czubak. El tercer relevista
    (Taylor) abrio un hueco definitivo otorgando a Michael Johnson una ultima vuelta triunfal.

Michael Johnson headed the American team to take gold in the men's 4x400m relay

Men 4x400m Final

<table><tbody><tr><td>Women's Javelin Final </td></tr><tr><td>The first victory for Greece in this championships was obtained by Mirela Manjani-Tzelili (formerly Albanian) with 67.09m, her personal best and second world performance of the year. Greece have not received from women's javelin since Anna Verouli's bronze in Helsinki '83. Manjani headed the event from her second throw with 66.33 and threw 67.09 on her third attempt. Russia's Tatyana Shikolenko, older sister of 95 World champion (Natalya Shikolenko), took the silver medal with 66.37, while the third place was reserved for the Norwegian Trine Solberg-Hattestad, the defending world champion, with a throw of 66.06. Solberg-Hattestad, world leader so far this year, was the second throughout the event until the fifth round when Shikolenko took her place away. Double World junior Champion, Cuban Osleydis Menendez, threw 64.61m.</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Mujeres Jabalina&nbsp; Final</td></tr><tr><td>Primer titulo mundial para Grecia en esta prueba a cargo de Mirela Manjani-Tzelili (atleta ex-albanesa) con 67.09, nueva marca personal y segunda del ranking mundial de la temporada. Grecia no volvia a un podio en jabalina desde el bronce de Anna Verouli de Helsinki'83. Manjani paso a encabezar la prueba desde el segundo intento con 66,33 para mejorar en el tercero hasta 67,09, marca que no pudieron mejorar sus rivales. La rusa Tatyana Shikolenko, hermana mayor de la que fuera campeona del mundo en 1995, Natalya Shikolenko, se llevo la medalla de plata con un lanzamiento de 66.37, mientras que en tercera posicion se clasificaba la noruega Trine Solberg-Hattestad, defensora del titulo mundial logrado en Atenas, con un tiro de 66,06. Solberg-Hattestad, lider mundial de la temporada, se mantuvo en segunda posicion de la prueba hasta el quinto lanzamiento en el que Shikolenko le arrebato la plata. La dos veces campeona del mundo junior de la especialidad,la cubana Osleidys Menendez se quedo fuera de las medallas con un tiro de 64,61.</td></tr></tbody></table>

The first gold medal victory for Greece in this championships was obtained by Mirela Manjani-Tzelili with 67.09m, her new personal best and second world performance of the year

Women's javelin final



<table>
  <tr>
    <td>Women 4 x 400m Final</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Russia took the gold medal in an emotional finish against
    United States. The performance of the new world champions was 3:21.98, the world's best
    performance of the year. The silver medal was for United States with 3:22.09. The last
    relay was made by Jearl Miles-Clark who becomes so the athlete with more (five) medals in
    relays in the World Championships. The defending world champion, Germany, won the bronze
    medal with 3:22.43. The bronze medallist in Athens '97, Jamaica, was only fifth with
    3:24.83.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>4 X 400m Mujeres - Final</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Rusia logro la medalla de oro en un final apasionante
    contra Estados Unidos. La marca de las nuevas campeonas del mundo fue de 3:21.98, nueva
    mejor marca mundial de la temporada. El segundo puesto fue para los Estados Unidos con un
    tiempo de 3:22.09. El ultimo relevo lo realizo Jearl Miles-Clark, que desde hoy es la
    atleta que mas finales y medallas ha conseguido en la especialidad con cinco. La medalla
    de bronce fue para Alemania, que defendia su titulo de campeona del mundo. La marca de las
    alemanas fue de 3:22.43. Jamaica, que habia sido bronce en Atenas, se qudo fuera del podio
    al ser quinto con una marca de 3:24.83.

Russia wins the women's 4x400m final ahead of Usa and Germany

Women 4x400m Final



<table>
  <tr>
    <td>Gold MedallistPARVIAINEN, Aki (FIN)</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>&quot;This has been the goal of the season, even though I
    haven't dared to say it. After I had secured my place for the last three rounds I decided
    that I am not leaving here without a medal. The fourth throw was already very good but I
    slightly lost my balance. The fifth one then was just as good as I was able to do today. I
    didn't throw the last one because I knew I couldn't get any further distance. I was quite
    aware the other two medalists were able to throw even farther, so I couldn't really
    believe in my victory until the last throw was done.&quot;</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Silver Medallist - GATSIOUDIS, Kostas (GRE)</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>&quot;I thought I was ready to win here tonight and wanted
    to throw well in the first round. It was a leading throw but I felt I still have a
    possibility to throw farther. I was also afraid that it wouldn't be enough for gold. Now I
    have very mixed feelings. The result is very good but I did come here as a favourite. At
    least it gives me hunger for Sydney. I was third in Athens, second here, I think it is
    time for gold in Sidney!&quot;</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Bronze Medallist - ZELEZNY, Jan (CZE)</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>&quot;My problem at the moment is that I am still
    suffering from last year. It's difficult to come back from an injury, only time can heal
    these things. I know I am coming back, I still have my best years to come. Tonight I was
    throwing for a medal. In the future I hope to be throwing for gold again. This medal is a
    miracle. I thank my doctors, particularly those who operated on my shoulder. This support
    team gave me my energy tonight.&quot; 

Arki Parviainen, Kostas Gatsioudis and Jan Zelezny.

Men's Javelin Throw Final



<table>
  <tr>
    <td>Women's 4x400m Final  Russia</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Olga Kotlyarova - &quot;In Athens '97 and in Budapest
    (European Championships) we lost the gold in the last metres after being in the lead in
    the first three laps. That is the reason why we are very happy. The time could have been
    faster but the gold medal is enough&quot;.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Mujeres 4x400m Final - Rusia</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Olga Kotlyarova - &quot;En Atenas y en Budapest
    (Campeonatos de Europa) perdimos el oro en los ultimos metros despues de estar en cabeza
    en los tres primeros relevos. Por tanto estamos muy contentas. El tiempo podria haber sido
    mejor pero la medalla de oro es un buen premio para nosotras&quot;.

The Russian are delighted with gold.

Women's 4x400m Relay Final

<table><tbody><tr><td>Gold MedallistMASTERKOVA, Svetlana (RUS)</td></tr><tr><td>"I did not fear anyone. I was only thinking of my head and my legs because I have problems and I want to go under an operation after these Championships, and recover afterwards. I was not happy with my performance in the 800 metres and wanted to win the 1500 metres for myself, my family in Russia and my Spanish friends, who were a bit sad about my previous performance. When I am in good shape, I think nobody can beat me".</td></tr><tr><td>Medalla de oro - MASTERKOVA, Svetlana (RUS)</td></tr><tr><td>"No temia a nadie. Solo pensaba en mi cabeza y en mis piernas porque tengo problemas y quiero operarme despues de la competicion, para recuperarme despues. No estaba contenta con mi actuacion en los 800 metros y queria ganar los 1.500 para mi, para mi familia en Rusia y mis amigos espanoles que estaban un poco tristes por mi actuacion anterior. Cuando estoy en plena forma, creo que nadie puede derrotarme". </td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Silver Medallist - JACOBS, Regina (USA)</td></tr><tr><td>"Second again! It was a pretty quick sprint and Masterkova opened up on me very quickly and I must admit in my heart of hearts I didn't believe I would catch her this time."</td></tr><tr><td>Medalla de plata - JACOBS, Regina (USA)</td></tr><tr><td>"Otra vez segunda! Fue un sprint bastante rapido y Masterkova se abrio por mi lado muy rapidamente. En lo mas profundo de mi debo admitir que no creia que pudiera cogerla esta vez."</td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>Bronze Medallist - DULECHA, Kutre (ETH)</td></tr><tr><td>"The last lap was very fast for me. I was lucky to keep the Romanian behind me. I didn't have any tactics, I just tried to follow the others and have a kick in the end. The medal is very good for me."</td></tr><tr><td>Medalla de bronce - DULECHA, Kutre (ETH)</td></tr><tr><td>"La ultima vuelta fue muy rapida para mi. Tuve suerte de mantener a la rumana detras. No tenia ninguna tactica, solo trate de seguir a las otras y pegar un tiron al final. Esta medalla es muy buena para mi".</td></tr></tbody></table>

Svetalana Masterkova, Regina Jacobs and Kutre Dulecha.

Women's 1500m Final



<table>
  <tr>
    <td>Women's High Jump Final</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>The Ukrainian Inga Babakova, until now three times
    medallist in World Championships (silver in '91 and '97, and bronze in '95) won the title
    with 1,99. Babakova was the winner due to a more regular series than those of her rivals,
    since she made less fouls than them. The second and third were the Russians Yelena
    Yelesina and Svetlana Lapina (current under-23 European champion), both of them also with
    1,99. All three of them tried to clear 2,01 but they failed their three attempts. The
    defending champion Hanne Haugland (NOR) could only jump 1,93 to qualify in the tenth
    position.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Mujeres Altura Final</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>La ucraniana Inga Babakova, que hasta ahora habia logrado
    tres medallas en mundiales (plata en 1991 y 1997, y bronce en 1995) se proclamo campeona
    del mundo con un salto de 1,99. Babakova fue campeona gracias a un concurso mas regular
    ante sus rivales, cometiendo menor numero de nulos en las alturas previas. Segunda y
    tercera con la misma marca, tambien 1,99 fueron las saltadoras rusas Yelena Yelesina y
    Svetlana Lapina (actual campeona de Europa sub-23) respectivamente. Las tres intentaron a
    continuacion superar los 2,01 pero fallaron sus tres intentos. Hay que destacar la pobre
    aportacion de la defensora del titulo logrado en Atenas, dos anos antes, la noruega Hanne
    Haugland, que quedo eliminada en las primeras alturas (1,93) logrando la decima plaza.

Ukraina's Inga Babakova wins the women's high jump final

Women High Jump Final



<table>
  <tr>
    <td> </td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>The 31 year-old Russian based in Spain, Svetlana
    Masterkova, achieved her first world title at 1500m adding this title to her already
    impressive list which includes the Olympics Atlanta '96 and the European title in Budapest
    '98. 36 year-old American champion Regina Jacobs, repeated the silver she got in Athens
    '97. Kutre Dulecha (ETH) won the bronze medal and joins the great Ethiopian performances
    in this Championships. Elena Buhaianu (ROM) led the race in the first 400 metres, 1:03.87
    while the main group ran 10 metres behind. The pace decreased in the second lap, 2:12.89
    at the 800 mark, with Jacobs, Masterkova and Sacramento in the first three positions. At
    the bell, 3:00.92, the final lap remained the same way until Athens 97 champion Sacramento
    kicked strongly but she could'nt get any advantage over her rivals. In the last 100 metres
    Masterkova imposed her great final sprint and was the clear winner ahead of Jacobs and
    Dulecha, who took the bronze away of Sacramento in the final stages.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Mujeres 1500m Final</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>La rusa afincada en Espana Svetlana Masterkova, de 31 anos
    ha conseguido su primer titulo de campeona del mundo en 1.500 y logra asi la triple corona
    ya que vencio en los Juegos de Atlanta 96, en el Europeo de Budapest 98 y ahora en Sevilla
    99. La norteamericana Regina Jacobs de 36 anos repitio la medalla de plata conseguida en
    Atenas y la etiope Kutre Dulecha, bronce se une a la gran actuacion de las fondistas de
    Etiopia en este campeonato. La rumana Elena Buhaianu lidero la carrera en los primeros 400
    metros, en 1.03.87 mientras el grupo de favoritas corria 10 metros detras. El ritmo decayo
    en la segunda vuelta, 2.12.89 en el 800 con Jacobs, Masterkova y Sacramento en las
    primeras posiciones. Por la campana, 3.00.92, todo continuaba igual y poco despues, la
    campeona de Atenas Sacramento tiro fuerte, pero no consiguio adquirir ventaja sobre sus
    rivales. En los ultimos 100 metros Masterkova impuso su gran sprint final y fue una clara
    vencedora, por delante de Jacobs y Dulecha quien en los ultimos metros arrebato el bronce
    a Sacramento.

old Russian based in Spain, Svetlana Masterkova, achieved her first world title at 1500m.



<table>
  <tr>
    <td>Gold MedallistUSA</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Maurice Greene - We had a great relay team and the bottom
    line is that we knew that if we passed the stick around we would win. We had a lot of fun.
    Who is the king of these Championships? I don't know (Drummond saying 'him, him').</td>
  </tr>
</table>

<table>
  <tr>
    <td>Medalla de oro - USA</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Maurice Greene - &quot;Tenemos un gran equipo de relevos.
    Confiabamos mucho en nuestras posibilidades y sabiamos que si cambiabamos el testigo
    correctamente ganariamos. Nos hemos divertido mucho. Que quien es el rey de los
    Campeonatos? No lo se (John Drummond le senala y dice 'el, el').&quot; 

American team thoughts on winning the short relay final.



<p>Historic Gold for Yong<br>
Roundup of the final day of the 7th IAAF World Championships in Athletics<br>
Nick Davies for IAAF

<p>&nbsp;We are proud of saying that athletics is a truly
global sport, and offers unique opportunities for determined performers, whatever their
nationality or background. The result of the women's marathon this morning proved that
this is no hollow boast. Watched by millions of TV viewers world-wide, Song-Ok Yong beat a
top field, including Olympic and World Champions, to bring North Korea its first ever
medal at a major sporting event.

<p ALIGN="JUSTIFY">The race had been scheduled for an early
morning start to ensure it would be seen on prime time TV in Japan, such is the passion
for the marathon in that country. And in the absence of the defending world champion
Hiromi Suzuki, the unsung Ari Ichihashi proved to be Japan's star. For the first half of
the race, the pace was respectable with 10k covered in 35:26 and 20k in 1:10:34. Among the
16 athletes in the lead group were 1996 Olympic champion Fatuma Roba, the 1995 world
champion Manuela Machado, the Romanians Lidia Simon and Anuta Catuna, and China's Sun
Yingjie whose habit of running with her arms dangling by her sides, made her easy to spot.

<p ALIGN="JUSTIFY">The first real break came at around the 28
km point when Yingjie and Roba picked up speed. Only Ichihashi, Simon and Yong could cope
with the pace. Shortly afterwards, Roba began to fade and, at the 35 km point, the two
Asian runners seized the initiative. Although Ichihashi seemed the most composed, her
running style more economical than the North Korean, it was Yong who made the decisive
break just 2 km away from the stadium. Simon overtook Roba - who did not finish in Athens
two years ago - to take the bronze.

<p ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Yong's time of 2:26:59 improved her
personal best by almost four minutes, impressive as the heat was climbing in the latter
part of the race. &quot;I may be a new marathon runner in the eyes of the rest of the
world but hopefully they will know me now.&quot; The North-Korean also admitted that she
gained strength by thinking about her country's leader Kim Jong II. &quot;This was the
real source of my power.&quot; Japan won the team gold.

<p ALIGN="JUSTIFY">A double Olympic gold medallist , Svetlana
Masterkova had never won a World Championship title until tonight. But boosted by a crowd
who treated the Alicante based Russian like an honorary-Spaniard, she out-thought and
out-kicked her rivals in an enthralling 1500m final. The early pace was made by the
experienced Violeta Beclea-Szekely with Regina Jacobs, Carla Sacramento moving into the
lead at 800 metres, reached in 2:12.89. But Masterkova was always close by and when Jacobs
made her final sprint with 150 metres to go, the Russian eased alongside then pulled away
emphatically. By the finish, she had opened up a 10 metre gap on the American, who won her
second successive world silver. Ethiopian Kutre Dulecha, who turned 21 just a week ago,
won bronze after a spirited last lap.

<p ALIGN="JUSTIFY">&quot;I did not fear anyone,&quot; said
Masterkova after crossing the line in 3:59.54. &quot;I was a little preoccupied, both with
my morale and my ankle because I have had many problems. I will need to have an operation
after these championships. But I am very happy now because I was disappointing in the 800m
[she won bronze]. I needed to win tonight for myself, my family and my friends in Russia
and Spain.&quot;

<p ALIGN="JUSTIFY">South Africa's Hezekial Sepeng almost
pulled off a major coup in the men's 800m, grabbing a huge lead which defending champion
and world record holder Wilson Kipketer could only claw back with the last
stride of the race. So desperate was Kipketer to pass the South African that he threw
himself at the finish line, tumbling on to the track. Shaking his head as he stood up, he
broke into a smile when he realised that he had won his third successive title - but by
just two hundredths of a second - 1:43.30 to 1:43.32.

<p ALIGN="JUSTIFY">The early pace had been frantic as first
Kipketer, then Japheth Kimutai, Norberto Tellez and Djaabir Said-Guerni jostled for the
lead. The bell was reached in 50.11 by Sepeng - but it was his surge at 600 metres that
almost paid off. Although the Said-Guerni reacted well, Kipketer was caught napping, and
needed to draw on all his reserves before he could haul back Sepeng right on the line.

<p ALIGN="JUSTIFY">After the race, Kipketer, a smile on his
face said: &quot;Okay, maybe it didn't look like it on television but I knew I was going
to catch Sepeng. I just didn't know if I was going to do it before the finish!&quot;

<p ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Said-Guerni, who improved the Algerian
record to 1:44.18, is just 21 years-old.

<p ALIGN="JUSTIFY">The men's sprint relay final was a classic, with Maurice Greene and
Britain's Dwain Chambers having a terrific duel down the final straight, roared on by the
52,000 spectators. Although Chambers matched Greene stride for stride for 80 metres, he
then began to tighten and the American was able to win his third gold. The US clocked
37.59 with Britain setting a new European record of 37.73.

<p ALIGN="JUSTIFY">The battle for silver was also hard fought
between Nigeria and Brazil. Deji Aliu was able to overtake Andre Da Silva on the final
leg, both teams breaking Area records - with 37.91 and 38.05 respectively. In depth, it
was the best world championship final ever.

<p ALIGN="JUSTIFY">In the women's final much had been expected
of a US team containing Gail Devers and Inger Miller, but it was the Bahamas who proved
the class act this evening in the women's 4x100. Superb performances and changeovers by
Sevatheda Fynes, Chandra Sturrup, Pauline Davis - making her seventh consecutive
appearance at these championships - and Debbie Ferguson brought the Caribbean nation its
first relay gold in 41.92. France, anchored by Christine Arron, had also been well-trained
and took silver with 42.06 just ahead of Jamaica who clocked 42.15. The Americans, whose
changeovers were poor, finished a dejected fourth.

<p ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Javelin throwers usually try to make a
mighty effort early on to put pressure on their rivals. Greece's Kostas Gatsioudis almost
won the final with his first throw (and only the second of the competition) which soared
out to land tantalisingly close to the 90 metre line. When it was measured - the mark of
89.18 flashed up - and the world's top javelin throwers faced a colossal challenge.

<p ALIGN="JUSTIFY">The legendary Jan Zelezny - recently back
from serious injury - made two efforts (83.60 and 87.67) - then fouled three times before
withdrawing from the competition. Last year's European champion Steve Backley - suffering
with an injured knee - could only achieve 83.84. The Russian Sergey Makarov - who many had
tipped for gold - fared even worse with a best effort of 83.20.

<p ALIGN="JUSTIFY">With Gatsioudis seemingly destined for
glory, Finland's Aki Parvianen stepped up for his penultimate throw. With a mighty bellow
he sent the javelin soaring high. As it struck the ground, the crowd roared its approval -
89.52. A Finn would now be on top of the podium for the first time since 1991. Zelezny won
the bronze.

<p ALIGN="JUSTIFY">The effect of nerves on top level
performers can never be underestimated, which is what makes championship athletics so
unpredictable and fascinating. In the women's high jump final, only three different marks
were actually recorded. Five athletes cleared 1.93, four cleared 1.96 and three 1.99! When
the bar was raised to 2.03, only Ukraine's Inga Babakova, and the Russians Yelena Yelesina
and Svetlana Lapina remained in the contest, but none could clear the height. Babakova won
gold because she had cleared 1.99 first time. Yelesina had needed two attempts and Lapina
three, which meant silver and bronze respectively. The Ukrainian had the coolest head
tonight, needing just one jump to clear each height.

<p ALIGN="JUSTIFY">The
men's 4x400m - the last track event of these championships - gave the Seville crowd the
chance to enjoy another 43 seconds of world record breaker Michael Johnson. With the
Britons making a shock exit in qualifying, only Poland could provide any kind of challenge
to the mighty Americans. Yet after a superb third leg by 400m hurdler Angelo Taylor,
Poland were 15 metres adrift and, by the time Johnson had completed his lap, that gap had
doubled. The US clocked 2:56.45 for gold with Poland recording 2:58.91 and Jamaica winning
bronze with 2:59.34.

<p ALIGN="JUSTIFY">The women's long relay proved a more
dramatic race, with Russia, who broke the world record at the World Indoor Championships
in Maebashi this winter, having a titanic struggle with the USA. The Americans held the
early advantage but Olga Kotlyarova put the Russians into the lead just before the final
changeover. Chased hard by Jearl-Miles Clark, Natalya Nazarova held her nerve as the
American and Germany's Grit Breuer began to attack down the home straight. With 50 metres
left, Breuer seemed to clip Miles-Clarke's heel, and neither athlete could then find the
extra gear to go past Nazarova. She crossed the line to stop the clock at 3:21.98. The USA
came home in 3:22.09 with Germany - the defending champions - third in 3:22.43.

<p ALIGN="JUSTIFY">The climax of this superb championships came
when the King of Spain King Juan Carlos, congratulated the four Spanish athletes who had
won medals here over the last nine days. He had earlier presented cups to the winning
teams in the marathon races. Yet again, the Seville spectators showed that sport is a
fabulous excuse for raucous celebration.

Roundup of the Final day of the 7th IAAF World Championships in Athletics

Historic win for Yong



<table>
  <tr>
    <td> </td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>The first relay final brought a surprise. The team from
    Bahamas (Sevatheda Fynes, Chandra Sturrup, Pauline Davis-Thompson, Debbie Fergusson) won
    their first gold in this event in the history of the World Championships. Their time was
    41.92, a new national record, '99 world best and fifth on the all times performance lists.
    Just behind them France clocked 42.06, also establishing a new national record. France's
    sprint queen Christine Arron, running the last leg, carried her team from fourth to second
    position, bettering the bronze taken in Athens '97. The bronze medal went to Jamaica with
    42.15, who have been medallists in this event since Tokyo '91. The disappointment came
    from United States; double world champions in Goteborg '95 and Athens '97, who with a
    quartet including world champions Inger Miller and Gail Devers, came fourth with 42.30.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td></td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Mujeres 4x100m Final</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Sorpresa en la primera final de relevos de los
    campeonatos. El cuarteto de Bahamas (Fynes, Sturrup, Davis-Thompson, Fergusson), consigue
    su primer oro en esta prueba en unos mundiales. Su crono de 41.92 es el mejor de la
    temporada y el quinto de todos los tiempos. Por detras Francia finalizo en 42.06, batiendo
    tambien su record nacional. La ultimo posta de Christine Arron llevo a su equipo del
    cuarto al segundo puesto, subiendo un peldano en el podium respecto al ultimo mundial.
    Jamaica, medallista en esta disciplina desde Tokio '91, consiguio el bronce con 42.15. La
    decepcion fue Estados Unidos, vencedor en las ultimas dos ediciones. A pesar de contar con
    las campeonas Inger Miller y Gail Devers, quedando cuarta fuera del podium con 42.30.

The first relay final brought a great surprise. The team from Bahamas won their first gold in this event in the history of the World Championships

WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Stacy Dragila's pole vault world record ratified

Ethiopia honours its medallists from Seville 99

Men's 4x100m Relay Final

Women's Marathon

Men 4x400m Final