Jehue Gordon won a dramatic 400 metres hurdles final at the World Championships in Moscow yesterday, and then dedicated his gold medal to his mother Marcella.Gordon, 21, erased all memories of his fourth place finish four years ago to join Ato Boldon as the only T&T athlete to win individual gold at the World Championships. Boldon won the 200 metres title in 1997.In front of a crowd of more than 50,000 people, Gordon stumbled across the finish line to hold off American Michael Tinsley after bursting down the final stretch to finish in a world-leading time of 47.69 seconds. Emir Bekric, of Serbia, was third and two-time Olympic champion Felix Sanchez wound up fifth.Shortly after crossing the finish line, Gordon fell to the track. Three lanes over, Tinsley, the 2012 Olympic silver medalist, toppled over, too. They each then stared at the scoreboard, waiting for a winner to be announced.After a few moments, Gordon's name finally flashed on the board, much to the delight of the small contingent of Trinis here in Moscow.
Gordon, racing in lane six, got off to a smooth start out of the blocks with Javier Culson and surprise packet Bekric also getting off quickly.At the halfway stage, however, Tinsley took the lead with Omar Cisneros and Sanchez moving into contention.All the while, Gordon was focused on his lane and executing some perfect steps to and over the hurdles. With three hurdles to go and turning towards the home straight, Tinsley made a run for the title but Gordon covered the move.Gordon had marginally grabbed the lead by the penultimate hurdle as the two athletes touched down almost together. Going over the last hurdle, Gordon had a slim lead, but with ten metres to run, Tinsley fought back gamely and the two went for the line together. Tinsley's time was 47.70, while Bekric was third in 48.05.
Speaking afterwards, Gordon said he was proud that he was able to keep his focus throughout the race, adding this may have given him the edge in the final strides."I saw Tinsely in my peripheral vision but I just kept myself focused. I executed what I wanted and when he came at me in the end, I was just going. This was my race to win and I did so."A delighted Gordon thanked his parents for their support over the years and dedicated the gold medal to his mother."My parents have done a fantastic job, supporting me and giving me blessings, my mom Marcella, Zayee, Vincent, Darlene, Grace, aunty Michelle, Britney, Avion. I am so happy. I came out here to have fun and that is what I accomplished."
He paid tribute to his coaches, especially Dr Ian Hypolite."I believe in my coach, Dr Hypolite, who has been with me since I was 12 years old. He and my mother have stayed with me through thick and thin. This victory proves you can train at home and be successful, with the right support and encouragement."Gordon, who still has a year remaining at the University of the West Indies, is hoping his success will inspire the rest of the team, especially the relays teams who will be starting their campaign today.As far as his future in concerned, he said he wanted to finish his final year at UWI before completely focusing on his athletic career and becoming the best 400 metres hurdler in the world.In tweets last evening, Gordon thanked all his fans who had supported him over the years.He also pointed out that he only returned to his training camp hours after the race, having undergone hours of drug tests immediately following the race. He said he needed to get his rest as he was now gearing up fgor the 4x400 metres relay events.