Pozzi claims gold in hurdles thriller

World champion targets glory at 2020 Olympics as Oskan-clarke joins list of GB medal-winners

Great Britain’s Andrew Pozzi claimed a thrilling gold in the 60 metres hurdles at the World Indoor Championships – and then set his sights on sustained global domination.

Squad co-captain Pozzi, 25, held his nerve after a false start to sail over the crucial final hurdle in 7.46 seconds and equal his winning semi-final time.

Pozzi, who has overcome serious injury problems, added the title to his European Indoor gold which he won in Belgrade 12 months ago.

He is eyeing the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo after previous disappointments on the biggest stage.

“I honestly believe I have everything it takes to be the best hurdler in the world and I wouldn’t have stuck it out if I didn’t genuinely believe that,” he said, as Great Britain won seven medals at the championships.

“And I’m on the right track now so it’s just about keeping on the right track to Tokyo.”

Dancing around like someone at a pogo-stick convention, the athlete added: “I can’t even begin to describe the feeling.

“I’m absolutely over the moon to do that. To win my first global (title) is one thing but to do it in Birmingham is so much better.”

Pozzi had finished fourth twice in the World Indoors – in 2012 and 2014 – and victory follows his recovery from persistent injuries.

He missed virtually all of 2016 with a persistent foot problem, having seen his Olympic hopes in 2012 go up in smoke when he pulled up with a hamstring injury.

“It’s something I don’t shy away from and I take great strength from the fact that I’ve been in such a low place at times in my career,” he said.

Shelayna Oskan-clarke joined the list of GB medal-winners when she produced a fabulous personal best to claim bronze in the 800m final.

The British co-captain came third in the final in one minute 59.81 seconds, with Burundi’s Francine Niyonsaba winning gold.

The women’s 4x400m relay squad of Meghan Beesley, Hannah Williams, Amy Allcock and Zoey Clark were involved in drama that had a rewarding outcome.

They were promoted to bronze after Jamaica were disqualified for changing lanes for the handover of the baton, before being thrown out themselves for pushing.

But the British quartet were reinstated in bronze after an appeal, while the men’s 4x400m squad came sixth, with

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I honestly believe I have everything it takes to be the best hurdler in the world and I wouldn’t have stuck it out if I didn’t genuinely believe that. ANDREW POZZI

Poland grabbing gold ahead of the USA and Belgium.

Scots athlete Jake Wightman finished sixth in the 1,500m final – and admitted he was “gutted” after missing out on the medals.

His time of 3:58:91 saw him only two strides off a podium finish, with Ethiopia’s Samuel Tefere claiming gold and Marcin Lewandowski of Poland and Morocco’s Abdelaati Iguider taking silver and bronze.

“I’m a bit gutted as I was hoping to be in contention,” said Wightman, who competes for Edinburgh AC.

“It was always going to be anybody’s race but I didn’t get it right. I left myself too much to do and surged at the wrong point, so it’s not a very pleasing day for me.

“I’m going to get back into training and do some base work before starting the build up to the Commonwealths.”

Wightman’s club colleague Chris O’hare finished eighth in 4:00.65.

Elsewhere yesterday, Ethiopa scored a 1-2 in the men’s 3,000m final, with Yomif Kejelcha crossing the line in eight minutes 14.41 seconds, with Selemon Barega taking silver.

European indoor and outdoor long jump champion Ivana Spanovic took gold – the Serbian’s first global title – while American Brittney Reese was second.