The Run of his Life

Australia has a new hero and Games champion in pint-sized speedster John Steffensen who won the gold medal with a stunning run in the men’s 400 metre final.

The Australian shattered his own personal best time of 45.14 seconds as he crossed the line in an extraordinary 44.73 seconds. Alleyne Francique and Jamaica’s Jermaine Gonzales who recorded season best and personal best results followed him to the line.

Steffensen crossed the line embracing the crowd and then completed a memorable victory lap to thank the screaming fans for their support.

Originally considered an outsider, Steffensen made short work of the overwhelming favourite Alleyne Francique from Grenada who won the same event in the Moscow indoor meet nine days ago.

Speaking earlier this month, Steffensen admitted that he and his coach questioned whether success was a possibility “and we came to the conclusion that it was.”

The talented 24-year-old began life as a long jumper in his Little Athletics squad before moving to Sydney from Perth to take up running.

Australia’s chances of medalling in the men’s 200-metre sprint received a boost as Patrick Johnson, Daniel Batman and little known Ambroze Ezenwa advanced to the semi finals at the MCG.

Johnson won his heat in a time of 20.64 seconds, just ahead of New Zealand’s James Dolphin and South Africa’s Leigh Julius.

Batman ran second to a fast finishing Enefiok Udo-Obong of Nigeria who ran a personal best time of 20.67 seconds in their heat.

After the heat, Johnson said he was just focussed on getting to the final. “I had to make sure that I didn’t burn the juice,” he said. “I’ve got to get to the final.”

Speaking before he knew he had qualified, Enzenwa said he was pleased just to be involved in the Games. Born in Nigeria, Enzenwa was selected in the Nigerian relay team at the Athens Olympics but did not compete. Had he done so, he would not have been eligible to compete for Australia at these games.

There was more medal glory for Australia as Kylie Wheeler won silver in the women’s heptathlon. Wheeler produced a final points tally that was her personal best including an outright win in the long jump.

Nick Moroney was nearly jumping for joy but had to settle for equal fifth in the men's high jump. Moroney sent the bar clattering on all three attempts at 2.23 metres as Canadian Mark Boswell edged out England's Martyn Bernard with a leap of 2.26 metres to take gold.

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