Veteran Bernard Lagat helped the United States top the medals table after the final day of the World Indoor Athletics Championship in Sopot, Poland, yesterday.

At 39 years and 87 days, Lagat became the oldest ever medallist in a men’s event at the championships, claiming silver behind 21-year-old Caleb Nikdu, of Kenya, in the 3,000 metres.

“The race was tactical, as I expected for the final, going fast – slow – fast – slow,” Lagat said.

“But my experience helped me to keep up with the rest and the medal is a great result for me.

“I can tell you I gave 110 per cent and all these guys were running so well. It is a big challenge to run against these guys who are maybe 20 years younger than me, but the age does not matter.”

The US won a total of eight gold, two silver and two bronze – including victory in both 4x400m relays – but Olympic champion Jenn Suhr missed out after finishing fifth in the pole vault final, which was won by Yarisley Silva, of Cuba, with 4.70m.

Omo Osaghae claimed gold in the 60m hurdles ahead of French duo Pascal Martinot-Lagarde and Garfield Darien, while there was more American success in the women’s 800m as Chanelle Price took gold ahead of home favourite Angelika Cichocka.

Mixed emotions

There were mixed emotions for the Polish fans in the men’s race as Adam Kszczot and Marcin Lewandowski crossed the line in second and third respectively, only for Lewandowksi to be disqualified for stepping off the track on the final bend.

Mohammed Aman of Ethiopia took gold with Britain’s Andrew Osagie promoted to third.

Ethiopia’s Genzebe Dibaba cruised to the expected victory in the women’s 3,000m, while France’s Eloyse Lesueur won the long jump title with a best of 6.85m, just 4cm ahead of British heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson.

Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce powered to victory in the 60m in 6.98 seconds ahead of Murielle Ahoure, of the Ivory Coast. Tianna Bartoletta, of the US, claimed bronze.