Confident Jamaican Veronica Campbell edged American Lauryn Williams in a photo-finish to win the women's world 100 metres title on Monday in the perfect preparation for the Beijing Olympics. Campbell and Williams clocked an identical 11.01 seconds with the judges taking several minutes to declare the winner, briefly plunging the event into confusion.
Carmelita Jeter claimed bronze for the United States in 11.02 but there was disappointment for her team-mate and former world champion Torri Edwards, who finished fourth. Campbell, the Olympic 200m champion, made up for Jamaica's disappointment on Sunday when world 100m record-holder Asafa Powell was blown away by America's Tyson Gay.
It was a deserved victory for the 25-year-old from Kingston who ran the fastest semi in 10.99 and has the world's best time this year (10.89). "It was one of my longest waits," she said of the agonising time it took to find out who had won. "It was a bit confusing because the name was going back and forth but I want to thank God it was me.
"I was very confident, even when we did not know the result of the photo finish, because I know that I have got an excellent top speed and a strong finish." She added that the title was the result of hard work and dedication. "This medal means a lot to me and the title is important for my career. The title of world champion was missing in my collection," she said.
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