London Olympics | Track and field

Dominican Republic’s Felix Sanchez crosses the finish line to win the gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Michael Tinsley smiles after winning the silver medal with a personal best time in the 400-meter hurdles. Felix Sanchez of the Dominican Republic took the gold.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

A disappointed Angelo Taylor of the United States stays on the track after the 400-meter hurdles. Taylor finished fifth.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Two-time gold medal winner Elena Isinbaeva of Russia took the bronze in the women’s pole vault at the 2012 London Olympics.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Allyson Felix of the United States, center, pulls ahead to win her heat in the 200 meters.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Jamaica’s Nickiesha Wilson ties her shoe before the start of the 400-meter hurdles.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Russia’s Yuliya Zaripova, far right, leads a throng of runners on her way to winning the gold medal in the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Russia’s Evgeniia Kolodko screams after winning the bronze medal in the shot put.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)