Felix Sanchez of Dominican Republic wins men's 400m hurdles gold

Twice world champion Felix Sanchez of Dominican Republic won the men's 400m hurdles gold medal at the Olympic Games here on Thursday.

Dominican Republic's Felix Sanchez celebrates after winning the men's 400 metres hurdles final at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, Aug. 26,2004. Felix Sanchez won gold in a time of 47.63 seconds ahead of Jamaica's Danny McFarlane and France's Naman Keita.

Sanchez, who has been unbeaten in the past three years, clocked a world's season best time of 47.63 seconds for the title.

The 26-year-old, who failed to qualify for the final in the Sydney Olympics four years ago, had won the title in both the 2001 and 2003 World Championships since.

"It is just brilliant after all the hard work over the last four years. It's so great to finally achieve that goal. This is a great day for all Dominicans out there," Sanchez said.

"I'm elated and I hope (this medal) won't be the last. This is a moment of pride ... It's great to get that first gold medal for the Dominican Republic."

Jamaica's Danny McFarlane took the silver in 48.11 and France's Naman Keita won the bronze in 48.26.

McFarlane said that he has surprised all to win the medal.

He said: "Few people believed that I could win a medal. Even the media in my own country didn't believe in me. I hope I have satisfied the people who have overlooked me with my silver medal.

"I was very strong and tried to be first at the bend. I am very pleased with my silver medal."

But Keita said it was natural for him to bring home the bronze.

"I wasn't surprised with the bronze medal. I was expecting it because this year I have done 48.17 and it was a good performance. "