Major Breakthrough for Danvers

Natasha Danvers is back on track to be a leading contender in women's 400m hurdles. The 2000 Sydney finalist and 2001 World Universiade champion endured a disappointing 2002, but off that back of good performances at the European cup 2nd in 55.01 and another low 55 second clocking in the recent GB vs USA match at Scotstoun. the 25 year old Los Angeles based athlete broke through into the top echelons of the year lists with two perfomances in Grand Prix meetings in early July.

First she finished a creditable 5th in the strongest line up of the year at the Golden League Meeting at Paris St Denis with a new pb of 54.91, improving by 4/100ths her title winning run in Beijing in 2001. Then three days later she sped to a huge new pb clocking 54.32, to move to second on the Uk all time list amd to fifth on the current 2003 world list. In the process of the victory Danvers defeated American Sandra Glover, who had triumphed a few days previously in their Paris clash.

Now coached by her fiancee Darrell Smith, Danvers has shown marked improvement both over the sprint hurdles and now her preferred event the 400m hurdles, and with this performance has elevated herself to a genuinemedal contender for the Wordl championships later this year in Paris

Britain now hs two genuine medal contenders for the one lap event, with Chris Rawlinson continuing his fine run of sub 49 second clockings to take second place in Paris with 48.83, behind world number one Felix Sanchez, but infront of many of his main world championhship rivals.

7 July 2003