Athletics
Shelley exceeds expectations
AUSTRALIAN Michael Shelley exceeded his own expectations with a creditable 16th place finish in the Olympic men's marathon.
On a warm, sunny day in central London, Shelley started conservatively under orders from his coach Dick Telford, before powering the through the field in the second half of the race, clocking a time of two hours 14 minutes and 10 seconds.
Stephen Kiprotich claimed Uganda's's first Olympic athletics gold medal for 40 years, shocking the favoured Kenyan runners to win in 2:08:09.
Kenyans Abel Kirui and Wilson Kipsang were second and third.
Shelley was the leading Australian, ahead of Martin Dent (28th in 2:16:29) and Jeff Hunt (63rd in 2:22:59).
>> Read more at www.london2012.olympics.com.au
