Christine Ohuruogu beats the world champion at Crystal Palace on Friday night

Newham & Essex Beagles Christine Ohuruogu looks to have found her form at just the right time after winning the 400 metres at the London Grand Prix on Saturday at a rain-sodden Crystal Palace.

Newham & Essex Beagles Christine Ohuruogu looks to have found her form at just the right time after winning the 400 metres at the London Grand Prix on Saturday at a rain-sodden Crystal Palace.

For the 28-year-old it was a season’s best time of 50.42 seconds which won her the race as she powered away from World Champion Amantle Montsho over the closing stages.

It had been a far cry from the result in the same race last season for the 28-year-old, where she finished last.

But the weekend’s result represented her fastest time since 2009, and it seems the timing is perfect as she looks to defend her Olympic crown at the stadium in Stratford when the 400m event commences on August 3.

“This is my Olympic title to defend,” she said.

“It’s getting there, so I’m happy with that. I can’t really complain about anything – I’m fit and healthy, so I’m really looking forward to the Games.”

Since that win in Beijing she has been plagued by injuries and poor form as a last place in the same event 12 months ago was followed by a disqualification for a false start in the first round at the World Championships in Daegu, South Korea.

And it is no surprise that an injury-free winter this time around has seen her return to somewhere approaching her best.

“It’s nice,” added Ohuruogu. “It’s been a really long road since 2008, really tough. “It’s good to know I’m fit and healthy and have done my work. I’ve just got to keep ticking over now.”

And despite the manner of the victory as she surged past Montsho from Botswana to set the 11th fastest time in the world this season in poor conditions, she still feels there is plenty to work on in the lead up.

Her personal best is 49.61, while she clocked 49.62 to strike gold in Beijing four years ago and is likely to have to go under 50 seconds once again if she wants a medal this time round.

“The race was all right, but if I watch it back I’m sure there will be things I wasn’t happy about,” she said.

“Everything is fine but we’ve still got three weeks work to do. It’s all about working continuously and sharpening up.

“I just focus on my race plan and don’t get involved in all the noise and hype. I just make sure I do what I have to do on the track.”