Aug. 29, 2011

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By Miquel Jacobs
Assistant Media Relations Director

DAEGU, South Korea – Former South Carolina Gamecock Jason Richardson won his first career World Championships gold medal Monday to cap day three of competition for Team USA at the 13th IAAF World Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Daegu Stadium.

Richardson was upgraded to the gold medal in the 110-meter hurdles to become the first Gamecock male to win gold since Leroy Dixon took gold in 2007 as a member of Team USA’s 4×100-meter relay team.

The intermediate hurdles were the most hyped race in the World Championships as it featured history’s three fastest hurdlers. Richardson initially finished second in the men’s 110m hurdles, but was awarded gold after world record holder Dayron Robles of Cuba was disqualified for obstructing China’s Liu Xiang, the 2008 Olympic gold medalist, who was running in lane six. Richardson, who was clocked in 13.16 seconds, was awarded the gold medal in his first ever World Championships performance. It also marked the first time an American won a gold medal in the 110 hurdles at the World Championships since Allen Johnson captured his fourth consecutive 110-meter hurdle crown in 2003.

Richardson’s victory also gave Team USA its 19th medal in the 110 hurdles during World Championship competition, including its eighth gold medal.

“I wish that under different circumstances he (Robles) could have kept his medal,” Richardson said, “but rules are rules. I’m so happy to be a gold medalist. I can beat Robles world record. My next objective is to repeat the same thing in the Olympics.”

Another former Gamecock advanced to the semifinals of the women’s 400-meter hurdles as Lashinda Demus tied for third in the first round with a time of 54.93. The semifinal will be run Tuesday, and the final is scheduled for Thursday.

Miki Barber also competed, taking 27th in the women’s 100-meter dash preliminary with a time of 11.40.

Jason Richardson, men’s 110m hurdles (On reaction after learning he was awarded gold medal): “I wish that under different circumstances he (Robles) could have kept his medal. But rules are rules. I’m so happy to be a gold medalist. I can beat Robles world record. My next objective is to repeat the same thing in the Olympics.

“It’s a big come through! I’m just happy to have the opportunity to run for America, the greatest track and field team. To be amongst a world class field is an honor.

“The technical aspect of the hurdles is not my strong point (laughs)! I just used my heart, and ran a solid race, and stayed in there and didn’t become too worried about anyone else.

“I’m the wedding crasher (laughs)! I just tried to do the best that I could. I didn’t think that I won, as I could feel the other athletes around me. When you’re in America and you sprint, nothing is predictable. There’s always a new face every day.