World Championships Day 3 Review: Nick Hough our best for 25 years

18 July 2022

World Championships Day 3 Review: Nick Hough our best for 25 years

On day three of the world championships, Nick Hough achieved his best global championship performance, placing 7th in his 110m hurdles semi and ranked 15th overall. He however may rate his Gold Coast Commonwealth Games bronze higher. His time in Eugene today was 13.42, boosted by an illegal wind of 2.5m/s. It was also the highest place by an Aussie in this event at the Olympics or Worlds for 25 years.

Hopes were high Olli Hoare would do what he did in the heat and progress comfortably from the 1500m semi-final to the final. The race was stacked with the three Olympic medallists all in his semi. But alas the race didn’t go as planned for Olli and was very messy, causing him to spend too much energy throughout, crossing the line in a non-qualifying 10th. Numerous times he was shuffled back into the pack and even boxed in. He quickly reasserted himself on each occasion, but if obviously sapped energy. In third and in a good position at the bell, in the home straight he was swamped. He has the Commonwealth Games to now focus his attention on.

Disappointingly Steve Solomon was unable to capture his best form, displayed as recently as the NSW Championships where he ran 45.28 and 45.39 on consecutive days. In Eugene he clocked 46.87 to place sixth in his heat. He will now regroup and head to Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games.

David Tarbotton for Athletics NSW
Image: Nick Hough (courtesy of Athletics Australia)