
Natasha Hastings won the women’s 400 metres in a time of 50.24 seconds. Christine Ohuruogu finished 4th behind her. Although Hastings has laid down a marker for the World Championships, we all know that Ohuruogu has championship pedigree and will be in the mix at the World Championships in Beijing. The victorious Hastings said: “Yesterday (July 23) was my birthday I turned 29 so winning this is a nice gift and I can have a glass of champagne. The crowd were awesome here - my mum is from London so it is like a second home to me. The goal is to have a strong world championships and win a medal.”
American Jasmin Stowers won the 100 metres in 12.47seconds. Former Olympic Champion Dawn Harper-Nelson was second and World Champion Brianna Rollins was third. British Heptathlon Olympic Champion Jessica Ennis was 5th with a season’s best of 12.79 seconds said I have got so much motivation and coming back to this stadium has been unbelievable. I shall need to rest up after today and prepare for tomorrow. Then I can assess where I am and if I am ready for Beijing. But I do feel really positive after this evening especially with such a top quality field. I was looking for around 13 so to get sub 13 is very pleasing. As ever the crowd were brilliant. “
Zharnel Hughes of Great Britain won the 200 metres with a personal best of 20.06 seconds and proved that his victory at the National Championships earlier in the month was not a fluke.