Colchester: Mum is proud of Sarah

7:00am Wednesday 20th August 2008

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ALTHEA Claxton was one proud mum as she watched her daughter Sarah running in the Olympic Games 100 metres hurdles final.

There was no fairytale medal ending for Sarah as her mum watched her from her Monkwick home.

The fact she had taken her place among the world’s eight fastest women sprint hurdlers was enough to celebrate.

While Sarah, a former Thomas, Lord Audley pupil, wasn’t able to break the British record she had had her sights on as she ended her race in eighth position, her mum was immensely proud of her daughter’s Olympic performances.

“Being in an Olympic final has been her dream since she was tiny,” said Mrs Claxton.

“She has made that come true and she has done it the hard way.”

As the gun went for the race’s start, it would come as no surprise if her shouts of “drive Sarah, drive, drive, drive” could be heard on the track in Beijing.

Unfortunately, the fairytale didn’t materialise at the finish line for Sarah, but in the end, pride was the overwhelming emotion for her mum.

“It was so exciting to see her there among the world’s fastest runners,” said Mrs Claxton.

“I just wish she could have excelled a bit more like she did in the semi-final, but she is still the eighth fastest in the world.

“I think she will be a bit disappointed, but she can work off this for the European Championships next year and if she keeps injury-free, I can see no reason why she should not be at the London Olympics in 2012.