Allen shrugs off fall from grace

World high hurdles champion Allen Johnson made one of the most spectacular exits from the Olympics when he fell at the ninth flight in last night's semi-finals.

The 1996 Olympic champion tripped on the penultimate hurdle and flew headlong into the 10th. He lay sprawled on the track watching helplessly as his opponents crossed the line.

Johnson, who finished fourth at the 2000 Sydney Games, was one of the favourites for the title. But he has a reputation for taking risks in the highly-technical event when one mistake can be calamitous.

The American said: "It's unfortunate. It happens to the best of us, you just have to move on. It's just one of those breaks. You always have disappointments, Sydney showed that. I just have to keep going."

Last night Johnson knocked over the fourth hurdle but quickly recovered after losing his balance. He recovered to draw level with the leaders but then fell over the ninth and ended his Olympics face down on the track after diving under the top part of the 10th barrier.