Saturday night at the World Championships belonged to Australian pole vaulter Steven Hooker. He has something that we Englishmen outwardly hate but envy in private. Don't know exactly what it is but it's missing in many modern-day athletes. Just twelve days ago this man suffered a thigh injury during an Australian training camp that would put most athletes out of contention in the pending championships. But not Steve Hooker! With just one jump in the qualifiers he ensured a place in last night's final and his face showed then the pain he was going through. He didn't give much for his chances beforehand and saved himself for the expected winning height of 5.85. He had probably intended this jump to be his only one this evening but as he narrowly brought the bar down with him in the attempt and closest rival Romain Mesnil of France cleared it, he decided to go one better. After clearing 5.90 while Mesnil missed all his three attempts, Steven Hooker became World Champion after only three jumps in the competition, only three jumps in twelve days!

There was no new world record for Usain last night. After all, he was not alone but the USA had done their durned best to let the Jamaicans win both the men's and women's short relays. After the men had overrun the handover zone the night before last, the women were unlucky enough to see Muna Lee injure herself just after taking the baton on the third leg in last night's semi. Both mishaps allowed Jamaica to take the golds almost without competition.

My last words today must go to women's hammer throw gold medal winner Anita Wlodarczyk of Poland. After her world record throw in the second round (which also proved to be the winning throw), Anita was forced to watch the rest of the proceedings from the sidelines because of a twisted ankle she suffered in her jubilation over the world record! She returned in the last round, however, for a celebratory throw (?) and to receive the crowd's applause.