Bahrain's Rashid Ramzi celebrates his victory in the 1,500-meter run, 19 Aug 2008

Rashid Ramzi of Bahrain outlasted the field in the men's 1,500 meter race (3:32.94). Ramzi says the race was a personal challenge because of jet lag.

"Here in Beijing, there is a time difference of seven hours," said Rashid Ramzi. "And, I have problems sleeping. And, right now, in my country, it is a totally different time. And, I have not been able to get used to the time difference."

American Dawn Harper emerged the surprise winner of the women's 100-meter hurdles (12.54 seconds) after race favorite and teammate LoLo Jones bumped the second-to-last hurdle and lost her speed. But Harper says she has always known she would finish on top one day.

"It is a dream of mine," said Dawn Harper. "So, I would not take that from myself and say that I could not or is it really possible. I had to stay focused and say, 'it is possible for me.' And say that If it did not happen today, I [still] was not going to give up on my dream. And for it to happen today is so surreal. It is amazing. To actually say that, and have the world say that, is amazing."

Christine Ohuruogu of Britain crossed the line first in the women's 400-meter sprint (49.62).

"I am very proud," said Christine Ohuruogu. "I am very proud that we got a medal for athletics. I think this is the first Olympic medal we have won for this sport. So, it is always very hard getting to a championship and having to go through the rounds. I am just proud that I kept my head up."

Gerd Kanter of Estonia was the men's discus champion (68.82 meters). Germany was golden in men's triathlon and weightlifting. Britain picked up a pair of track cycling gold medals, while Argentina won the Madison team race.

In other Olympic action, Brenda Villa scored three times, including the game winner with one minute remaining to give the U.S. women's water polo team a 9-8 semifinal victory over Australia. The Americans will play for gold on Thursday.

The women's beach volleyball duo of Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh won their 12th straight Olympic match, getting past a Brazilian duo (Talita Antunes and Renata Ribeiro). The Americans will play for their second consecutive Olympic gold medal.

China continues to hold a comfortable lead in the medals standings. The host nation has 43 gold medals, 14 silver and 19 bronze. The United States is a distant second with 26 gold. Britain has 16.