Derval ready to face stiffest hurdle

Derval O’Rourke begins her London 2012 campaign at the Olympic Stadium this morning when she competes in the first round of the 100m hurdles.

Drawn in the fourth heat at 10.26am, the two-time European silver medallist goes in lane six. The line-up includes Nevin Yanit (Turkey) who pipped the Leevale athlete for the gold medal at the European championships in Barcelona two years ago. Yanit has a best of 12.61 seconds this season while Dawn Harpour (USA) will line up with a seasonal best of 12.65 seconds. Ekaterina Galitskaya (Russia) has 12.78 and Nikkita Holder (Canada) has 12.80. Derval O’Rourke posted her seasonal best at 13.03 in Italy last month.

To get through to tomorrow evening’s semi-finals among the automatic top three the former world indoor champion will probably have to break 13 seconds. Her coach, Sean Cahill, pointed out that, in her mind, there was little difference between 13.03 and 12.97.

“When she went to Italy we got videos and we were able to analyse those and see where improvements could be made,” he said.

“We have been able to sharpen up a few things. Physically she is 100% and that’s the key.

“She has been running faster than ever this year but it has taken a while to adapt to running fast. Running fast on the flat is one thing but when the hurdle come you need to get your eye in. She has been training at higher level and now she just can’t wait to get out there and just do her best.

“This is her third Olympics but it’s also the first time she’s gone to Games healthy and we are happy with that.”

Jessica Ennis will take time off from celebrating her success in the Heptathlon to chase another medal in the 100m hurdles. During the course of her Heptathlon she ran a new pb of 12.54 secs which puts her right in contention for a hurdles medal.

Sally Pearson (Australia), the reigning world champion, has run the 10 fastest times in the world this year and a season’s best of 12.40 secs, and will go to the line as favourite. But the big favourite with the fans will be LoLo Jones who crashed out with victory in sight in Beijing four years ago when Pearson won the silver medal.

Jones is only the ninth fastest American this season but she grabbed the third and final qualifying spot at the US Olympic Trials to book her ticket for London. Her season’s best stands at 12.74 seconds.