Former CU Athlete Jennifer Barringer Simpson Wins Gold In 1,500

DAEGU, South Korea (AP) - In a golden half hour for the United States, three Americans won IAAF World Championship titles on Thursday, none more surprising than former University of Colorado student Jennifer Barringer Simpson getting the first 1,500-meter victory since Mary Decker-Slaney in 1983.

Jesse Williams added the first high jump world title in two decades and Lashinda Demus ran the third fastest time in history to take the women's 400 hurdles.

At the end of the night, the United States led the medal standings with seven gold medals and 12 overall. Russia was closest with four gold and 12 in total.

The astonished face of Simpson said it all after the race. She did not figure in the top 10 of this season's performers before outpacing all the favorites and winning the first title for the United States in the race in 28 years.

"I am supposed to say that I am not surprised," said Simpson, who had the 25th best time of the season heading into the worlds. "All I can say is that a dream has come true."

Simpson sped past rivals on the finishing straight and then, with big eyes, looked at the giant screen facing her in Daegu Stadium to see if it really happened.

"I'm coming down home stretch and thinking, how did I get here?" Simpson said. "I knew coming off the curb I had another couple of gears, and I just thought I'm going to be really hard to beat now."

She closed her eyes and raised her fists after the race.

By Raf Casert, AP Sports Writer

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)