Zakari’s 400m hopes crushed in London

By Omulo Okoth

Joy Sakari Nakhumicha’s campaign ended in anger here after she finished last in the women’s 400m first semi-final, which was won by Jamaican-born Sanya Richards-Ross of the USA.

Nakhumincha, who ran on lane eight started the race well and appeared to lead on the 200m bend, edging past Jenna Martin of Canada, but could not sustain the momentum as Richards-Ross and reigning Olympoic champion, former world and Commonwealth winner, Team GB’s Christine Ohuruogu and Jamaica’s Rosemarie Whyte took control of the race from there.

Nakhumincha faded and was almost walking by the time she crossed the line.

The American won in 50.07 seconds while Ohuruogu was second in 50.22 and Whyte third in 50.98 seconds. Nakhumincha, Kenya’s national record holder, was timed at 52.95 seconds. She had nothing to say at the mixed zone, apparently too tired to even utter a word.