Qatar’s Samba wins 400m hurdles bronze at Doha Worlds

Doha, Qatar: Abderrahman Samba had to be content with a bronze medal. For now.

But the Qatari star, who was gunning for world record after clocking 46.98 in June 2018 in Paris before slipping away because of injuries, will surely come back to challenge his opponents Karsten Warholm of Norway and Rai Benjamin of the US.

At the World Athletics Championships at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on Monday, Samba, running in the ninth lane, was struggling to put in his best effort for the most part of the race, but a fine finish helped him clock 48.03 and beat Kyron McMaster at the tape.

"I am not happy, I am over the moon. If I could find the worlds now, I would, but there are no words for how I am feeling right now," said an ecstatic and relieved Samba.

"Two days ago, I wasn't sure whether to compete or not, so to make the podium is amazing.

"It has been a long hard season for me with lots of injuries. I am happy with my medal, but not with my place," said Samba.

Warholm took gold in 47.42 while Benjamin took silver in 47.66.

World record-holder Kevin Young, now 50 years of age eagerly watching the progress and rivalry of the trio, said they have made the 400m hurdles one of the most exciting events.

And if these athletes can stay injury-free, it could be the marquee event in athletics for some years to come.

With a big weight of expectations of his back now, Samba can recuperate and refresh before training his guns at Warholm and Benjamin at Tokyo Olympics.

Earlier, Halimah Nakaayi of Uganda sprinted to the finish line, leaving top-class opponents such as Raevyn Rogers and Ajee Wilson of the US Eunice Jepkoech Sum of Kenya as well as compatriot Winnie Nanyondo in her wake to win a fiercely contested and wildly cheered 800m

Nakaayi won in 1:58.04 while Rogers took silver after finishing strongly (1:58.18). Wilson took bronze in  1:58.84.

Qatar’s Sosse following her dreams

In women’s 400m, Qatar’s Kenza Sosse could not make much of an impression but the 20-year-old was thrilled with the experience of competing in front of her own fans.

“It is a big honour and surprise for me (to represent Qatar) because I have been studying in Paris for two years,” said Sosse who urged Qatari women to follow their dreams.

“I was far from home so to be back here and compete for my home nation, it's the most amazing feeling and sensation I have ever had. If you ask me to repeat it, I would do it over and over again. I felt the support of the crowd.

“I don't think they expected a Qatari woman to compete in this event. It's such a unique experience. I would tell young Qatari women to keep going. If you have a dream, fight for it. I have always learned to fight for my dreams. That's why I always achieve them,” said Sosse.