Kuwait City, Kuwait, May 17, 2022: Aminat Yusuf Jamal completed a golden double as Bahrain’s gold rush in athletics continued for a second day at the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Games Kuwait 2022 on Tuesday, May 17.
Jamal romped home to victory in her pet event, the women’s 400 metres hurdles, to add to her 100m hurdles gold she won on the opening day. But rather than celebrate, she cut a glum figure after the race at Ahmed Al-Rashdan Track & Field stadium.
“I always expected to win, but I’m not that pleased with my time,” said the 24-year-old Nigerian-born Bahraini athlete who finished the race in 58.55 seconds. Finishing a distant second for silver was compatriot Saleha Lahdan, 1:06.86, while Qatar’s Saja Saadoun took home the bronze medal in 1:08.46.
Jamal dominated the event from the outset and was in the lead soon after the first bend. It was then a case of stretching her lead and trying to see if she could run a personal best – she failed miserably, as her PB of 56.90 never looked like being broken.
“She was running by herself and it is difficult when that happens. There was no one to push her. It was like a training run,” Bahraini coach Raymond Graham pointed out.
Graham is the sprint coach for the Bahrain athletics national squad. A newcomer – having only taken up the job in January – the Jamaican was phlegmatic, however.
“Winning is what matters, and she won gold. Yes, she is disappointed about her run, but that could happen to anyone. Also the wind was terrible. Despite not having much of an opposition and considering the conditions, I’m pleased that she won so comfortably,” Graham added.