Angelo Taylor returned to the peak of his sport today when he won the men's Olympic 400 metres hurdles gold medal in a time of 47.25 seconds to lead a United States podium sweep. Taylor, an Olympic champion in 2000, clocked 47.25 seconds to finish ahead of Kerron Clement in 47.98 and Bershawn Jackson in 48.06, the fifth US sweep of the event but first since 1960. Taylor won the 400 hurdles in Sydney eight years ago but failed to make it past the semi-finals in Athens four years ago. That disappointment began a downward spiral in Taylor's career and life as he faced injury and legal problems, and after losing his contract in the sport he became an electrician.
"It's definitely the sweetest thing," he told reporters. Taylor's time was a personal best after he chased down Jackson who had been fastest out of the blocks. The last man to win the men's Olympic 400 hurdles twice was the great Edwin Moses in 1976 and 1984. "It's an honour to be mentioned in the same breath as Ed Moses, he's a legend. It's all been about keeping the faith and staying strong over the last few years.
"To lead the sweep means so much. The US hasn't had a great showing so far so we wanted to prove something. It was a great run. I haven't run fast since 2001. I feel on top of the world." Danny McFarlane of Jamaica, a silver medallist four years ago, was fourth in what is almost certain, at 36 years of age, to be his final Olympic Games. * Reuters
