Athletics: European Championships 2002: Jacko dedicates Euro gold to Wales.
``I'M sorry it's Munich and not Manchester but I'm sure Wales will be as happy as I am with this.''Those were Colin Jackson's words after he won his fourth European title in Munich on Saturday.
Jackson, who went into these championships less of a favourite than he did at the Commonwealth Games, had just delivered his second gold medal of the season in the 110m hurdles final and was wearing the Welsh flag around his shoulders as he chatted to Europe's media.
``I knew what I did wrong in Manchester,'' he said. ``It was an error which could be rectified and I just did it.
``I wanted this title, really wanted it because I know how disappointed Welsh athletics fans were with the silver medal in Manchester. So this is for them.''
After one false start, the race started and British fans held their breath as Jackson cleared the first hurdle and then went on to win in 13.11 seconds, never headed all the way although Jacko treated the capacity crowd to one of his famous dips at the line. ``I was never under pressure,'' said Jackson. ``We talked about slowing the start a bit but you know me, I can't slow it down so I told my coach Malcolm Arnold that if I did I would lose. It was just a case of making sure I hurdled properly - and I did. The dip at the end was just insurance, that's all.
``I knew that Stanis Olijars wouldn't be far behind me and so I just ran through the line.
``Now I'm looking forward to representing Britain in the World Cup in Madrid next month, run the odd Grand Prix meeting and then take a short holiday before I start training for the indoor season and the world indoors in Birmingham.''
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INDOOR AIM Colin Jackson.; PICTURE: Getty Images
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| Title Annotation: | Sport |
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| Publication: | South Wales Echo (Cardiff, Wales) |
| Date: | Aug 12, 2002 |
| Words: | 312 |
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