Brownlee back with 
an emotional victory

London Olympics bronze medalist Brownlee had been told than an ankle problem could curtail his season but he dominated the run and overcame Games silver medalist Javier Gomez.

The Yorkshireman was understandably moved as he took the win, saying: “At the start of the year I was told I wouldn’t be racing at all this season, so I got a bit emotional towards the end because this year I thought I wouldn’t be here at all. I thought the season was over two months ago.”

Fellow Brit Adam Bowden made it three top-10 finishes in as many years by crossing the line in eighth, with Scotland’s David McNamme ninth.

The series moves on to Madrid with Brownlee’s brother, Olympic champion Alistair, set to compete.

In a disappointing start to their British League (Premier Division) at Lea Valley on Saturday, City of Sheffield finished seventh. They were without several key athletes which was frustrating because at strength they are a match for anyone except league champions Shaftsbury Barnet.

Sheffield had no A string winners. Rick Yates was runner-up in the 400m hurdles (51.13) with Steve Garrett second in the B race with 53.65. The 5000m was another good event for Sheffield, Matt Bowser finishing third and newcomer Waynay Ghebresilasie winning the B race just two tenths of a second slower. Bowser was also second in the 1500m.

The best Sheffield field event performance came from 15-year-old Adam Hague who cleared 4.80 for third place in the pole vault.

Ben Fish (Blackburn) and Wakefield Harrier Julie Briscoe won the top prizes at yesterday’s SIG Sheffield Half Marathon. Fish finished a minute and a half ahead of Alistair Watson. Third was Rotherham Harrier Phillip Hoole, who took the Yorkshire and South Yorkshire titles held in conjunction with the race.