Campbell strikes silver in Olympic 200m

Darren Campbell claimed Britain's first Olympic 200 metres medal since Allan Wells in 1980 when he took silver behind surprise winner Kostantinos Kenteris of Greece.

The 27-year-old made up for his disappointment at only finishing sixth in the 100m final by clocking 20.14 seconds behind the 20.09 of Kenteris.

Campbell edged out favourite Ato Boldon, who took the bronze in 20.20 while Britain's Christian Malcolm was run out of the medals and had to settle for fifth. After being congratulated by team-mate Malcolm, Campbell rose and quickly ran over to celebrate with his trainer, Linford Christie.

"I've got to thank Linford for being so strong when everyone was on his back," Campbell said. "He's come out here and helped us through it all. He just said 'you're the man - you've made me proud'."

"I'm disappointed I didn't get gold but that's the way it goes. I'm really pleased - a lot of people have had no faith in me, but I think I've finally delivered." Campbell was not as surprised as some that Kenteris took the gold. "After the semi I knew he was really strong - it was important I hit the bend hard and hoped for the best."

Americans Coby Miller and John Capel finished seventh and eighth in the final. Apart from the 1980 Moscow Games which was boycotted by the US, it was the first time since 1928 that Americans have been shut out of the medals in the men's 200m. American favourites Michael Johnson and Maurice Greene were injured in the 200m final at the US trials and failed to qualify.