O’Rourke clears final hurdle before bid for Gothenburg glory

DERVAL O’ROURKE put the perfect finishing touch yesterday in Nuremberg to her preparations for next week’s European championships in Gothenburg when she ran close to the new national record she set at 12.85 last week in both the heats and the final of the women’s 100m hurdles.

She was headed by just two European athletes, finishing third in 12.89 secs to Kirsten Bolman (Germany, 12.81) and Glory Alozy (Spain, 12.85) in her heat before finishing fifth in the final in 12.87 secs.

Yesterday’s final was won by the world champion Michelle Perry in 12.59 secs. with US compatriot Lolo Jones, 12.59 secs, Kirsten Bolom third in 12.72 secs and Alozy fourth in 12.76 secs.