Sotherton ignores doctor's orders and hurdles farce to clinch comfortable win

Published Date: 27 July 2008 OLYMPIC heptathlon gold medal favourite Kelly Sotherton defied medical advice to win the women's four-event challenge in convincing fashion at this weekend's Aviva London Grand Prix. Sotherton hurt her right abductor muscle on the opening day when a farcical situation saw the third barrier in the 100 metres hurdles placed in the wrong position. The 31-year-old survived the minor injury scare and produced world-class form at Cryst al Palace and will now travel to the Beijing Olympics full of confidence after an "encouraging weekend." The 2004 Olympic bronze medallist produced a huge long jump personal best of 6.79m, but struggled when the hurdles race was re-run at the end of the meeting and finished fourth. But yesterday she produced a solid shot effort of 14.36m and then managed second place over... [read full story]