US-born sisters in 1-2 at British Championships

American-born sisters Tiffany Porter and Cindy Ofili finished first and second in the 100 metres hurdles at the British Championships on Saturday.

Their success in Birmingham, central England, meant the duo qualified to represent Great Britain in the event at the World Championships in Beijing in August.

Even though the sisters have a British mother and are thus qualified to compete for Britain, their detractors allege they are only in the UK because neither would gain a place in the United States team.

European champion Porter, who has run under her married name for several years, won in 12.83 seconds with younger sister Ofili, only cleared to compete for Great Britain 11 days ago and making her first visit to the country, second in 12.86 sec in a race that, by coincidence, took place on US Independence Day.

Olympic heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis-Hill was third at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium in 13.10 sec.   

"It was really special," said the 27-year-old Porter. "Cindy's a great competitor. I'm just so proud of her and the way she executed. Obviously I go into every race looking to win, whether she's in it or anybody else.

"She's running so well. We spur each other on. It's a good rivalry."

Ofili, 20, added: "It's been such a great experience. It's nice being in front of the GB crowd.

"My sister has always said good things about GB and the support and everything that comes with it. It was just nice going into it with the knowledge I'd be representing GB."

Porter, who has run for Great Britain since 2011, has long faced accusations she is a 'Plastic Brit' and the thorny issue of who is allowed to represent Britain in track and field became a talking point again when five overseas-born athletes, including Ofili, were cleared for international selection late last month.

Domestic rival Lucy Hatton, who won silver in February's European Indoor 60m hurdles and has a qualifying time for Beijing, recently told the BBC that she would not roll over for Ofili, whom she suggested wanted to represent Britain because "America's a bit too hard for her at the moment".

Hatton, however, had a day to forget on Saturday as she crashed out in the final after hitting the fourth hurdle.

Both Porter and Ofili played down Hatton's comments.

"Every time I race I just focus on myself and executing the cleanest race possible and running well," said Ofili.

Meanwhile Porter added: "I think it's important to just let your performances speak for themselves.

"I don't really do too much talking, I'm just really looking forward to going to Beijing and hopefully doing well there."
Source: AFP