Williams wins women's 100 in Helsinki

HELSINKI, Finland, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. sprinter Lauryn Williams took gold at the World Athletics Championships in Helsinki, winning the women's 100-meter event in 10.93 seconds.

Despite heavy rain at the city's Olympic Stadium, Williams powered her way into the lead at the midway point and stayed there. She told The New York Times she was so focused, she wasn't sure if anyone had crossed the line ahead of her.

Chandra Sturrup of the Bahamas, who had the world's fastest time this season, was fourth in 11.09 seconds. Last year's unexpected Olympic champion, Yuliya Nesterenko of Belarus, who could go no faster than 11.47 seconds in her only race this season before Helsinki, did better Monday night, but still finished last in 11.13 seconds.