London 2012: Lawrence Clarke fourth in Olympic final as GB rhythmic group prepare to make history
University of Bath-based hurdler Lawrence Clarke produced the performances of his life to finish just outside the medals in fourth place at the London 2012 Olympics tonight (Wednesday).
The 22-year-old, who is coached by Malcolm Arnold – UK Athletics National Events Coach Hurdles – set a personal best of 13.31 in his semi tonight to book a ‘fastest loser’ berth in the final.
And he followed that up with 13.39 to come fourth in the final two hours later.
Afterwards he said: “I can’t believe I came fourth in the Olympic Games – I didn’t expect to make the final.
“I treated the semi-final as the final. I ran a personal best, which was a dream come true and I then had a waiting game to see if I was in the final.
“I just can’t believe it. I’m really pleased I was here,” he added. “The crowd were absolutely amazing. “
He also paid tribute to his coach, Malcolm Arnold. “The last four years have been an amazing journey,” he said. “Malcolm has taken me from running 15.3 seconds to running 13.3 tonight. I can’t thank him enough.”
Meanwhile, the University of Bath-based Great Britain rhythmic gymnastics group make a piece of history tomorrow (Thursday) when they become the first GB team to compete in the group competition at an Olympics Games.
The group of Georgi
na Casssar, Jade Faulkner, Frankie Fox, Lynne Hutchison, Louisa Pouli and Rachel Smith have been training full-time at the University of Bath for over a year under the guidance of coach Sarah Moon.
They compete in the group ball routine at Wembley Arena on Thursday afternoon and the ribbon and hoops routine on Friday. The top eight of 12 teams progress to the final on Sunday.
Sarah Moon said: “We’re extremely proud to be representing Great Britain and very excited to be a part of Team GB”.
Georgina Cassar added: “It’s amazing to be here. If we can inspire just a few people by competing here it will be a success.”
