Kilty is happy to prove critics wrong with gold

The world indoor champion held his nerve after team-mate Chijindu Ujah was disqualified for a false start to claim a commanding victory in 6.51 seconds.

There were four medals in total for the Great Britain team on the final day of competition at the O2 Arena, including an impressive silver in the women’s 60m from 19-year-old Dina Asher-Smith, to take their three-day haul to nine.

It was the most of any nation, but the fact only two were gold – Kilty and Katarina Johnson-Thompson – placed them third in the medal table.

There was no doubting yesternday’s star, though.

Kilty once more defied the critics who suggested his shock global success in Sopot, 12 months ago to the day, was a fluke.

The ‘Teesside Tornado’ came into the championships with a point to prove after a disappointing outdoor season last year.

The 25-year-old qualified for the final quickest in 6.53secs, easing down well before the line with his arms by his sides, confidence bordering on arrogance.

There was none of that in the final, though, as the Stockton-on-Tees man, who had been battling a minor back niggle ahead of the championships, roared to victory by 0.07secs.

He said: “After the semi-final I didn’t think anyone could stop me. I couldn’t keep still between the rounds and I knew as long as I got from the start line to the finish line healthy I would take the victory.

“A few people have called me a one-hit wonder and counted me out yet again. I don’t think they should do that again because I’ve come out here and proved I’m a fearless competitor. Going into this I had no doubt whatsoever.

“I’m a fearless warrior when I’m on the track. I absolutely love it. I come alive on the battlefield.”

City of Sheffield runner Lee Emanuel claimed a silver in the 3,000m on Saturday. It’s a first major medal for the 30-year-old, who was born in Hastings and is based in New Mexico. He runs for City of Sheffield because he was a student at Sheffield Hallam.