Aug 18, 2009, 23:44 GMT
Berlin - Sanya Richards finally shook off the demons on and off the track on Tuesday with her first major 400 metres title.
Richards, 24, led from start to finish for victory in 49.00 seconds after falling short in the past when it mattered, due to nerves or another bout of a rare illness.
Shericka Williams of Jamaica got silver like at the 2008 Olympics in a personal best 49.32 seconds. Antonina Krivoshakpa of Russia took third place with 49.71 seconds
'To come here and to win the race, it means the world to me. Finally, I have own a major title! Finally the hard work has paid off. Before, I had difficulties standing the pressure. But now I am a better athlete,' said the American Richards.
'I hope that is the start of many more titles.'
Richards has been the dominant 400m runner over the past years, winner of the prestigious Golden league jackpot in 2006 and 2007, and the fatest women in the decade over the distance with 48.70 seconds.
However, she was yet to get lucky at the big stage.
Richards had to settle for second at the 2005 worlds, failed to qualify for the 2007 edition and cramped on the home stretch at the 2008 Olympics to finish third.
Part of the problem lies in Behcet's syndrome, a rare illness that causes chronic inflammation of blood vessels in the body. The illness can not be fully cured and Richards has to live with it.
'It flared up little bit here because it comes when I am stressed. But I now know how to handle it,' she said.
She said the whole year has been good for her and a more positive approach also played in important part in her success.
'I handled my illness better, I got consistant early. It just all fell into place this season,' she said.
'I didn't have much doubt. I knew what happened in the past, but I would not let it distract me this time.'
Richards kick-started the season with a Golden League win in Berlin and returned to the Olympic Stadium as the season leader with then 49.23 seconds.
It probably added to her confidence that she beat Olympic and defending champion Christine Ohuruogu in the heats and semis, and then in the final again as the Briton managed no better than fifth.
By the time Ohuruogu crossed the line, Richards had already started her celebrations - including some fancy footwork, the Texas Boogie.
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