Simpson second at British Grand Prix

Eurosport - Mon, 31 Aug 16:37:00 2009

Jemma Simpson went some way to avenging her World Championship disappointment as she stormed past Berlin bronze medallist Jenny Meadows at the British Grand Prix in the 800m final - but both were beaten by the USA's Christy Wurth-Thomas.

ATHLETICS - Great Britain's Jemma Simpson competes in the 800m - 0

Simpson, 25, was crowned British champion at the World Trials last month but flattered to deceive in Berlin, failing to make the final.

But she dug deep to pip Meadows in the home straight in Gateshead to take second place behind American Wurth-Thomas, as the Pocket Rocket' was forced to settle for third.

And Simpson, who crossed the line in 2:01.89 minutes, admitted she felt she had a point to prove after her below-par performance in the German capital.

"Jenny executed a really good race at the championships in Berlin," she said. "I think I had a bit more to prove here today after my performance and so maybe I was a bit more determined."

Meadows, who was third in 2:02.15m, admitted her exploits in the Olympiastadion had taken their toll and was happy enough with a top-three finish.

"It was really good for me seeing as I ran the race of my life just 12 days ago," said Meadows. "It's been a tough week, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

"But I've been quite run down this week and I'm really quite relieved to come here and get into the top three - the crowd have been amazing and I think they helped me."

Meanwhile, Olympic and world 400m champion LaShawn Merritt took his winning streak to 15 with a comfortable victory in Gateshead.

Merritt, who clocked 44.21 seconds on Friday in Zurich - the second fastest time of the year, eased home in 45.11 and revealed he intends to take his streak to 15 before calling an end to his season.

"I'm feeling great, I had a great season last year at the Olympic Games and this year the main focus was the World Championships," he added.

"I went to Berlin, left everything on the track and now I've the world champion. I ran 44.2 in Zurich so I'm in good shape and I want to end the season on a high at the World Athletics Final in Greece."

Great Britain's Martyn Rooney was second while world finalist Michael Bingham was edged out of third place by Angelo Taylor.

More than the Games / Eurosport

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