Ato Boldon pipped Obadele Thompson to bronze leaving British youngster Christian Malcolm, who also ran a superb race, in fifth.

The Belgrave Harrier made up for his disappointment at only finishing sixth in the 100m final by clocking 20.14 seconds.

After celebrating with coach Linford Christie, a delighted Campbell said: "It's a dream come true - it's taken a lot of hard work but I've finally done it.

Strong

"I've got to thank Linford for being so strong - he's been a huge help to me despite everything that's happened to him.

"It's sounds silly but I am a little bit disappointed that I didn't get gold.

"I don't want to comment on which event I prefer. But I want to be known as one of the best sprinters in the world and to do that you've got to be good at both events and it certainly helps having the likes of Christian Malcolm around."

"During the final I tried to hit the bend really hard after I struggled in the semi-final and it really happened for me."

First Greek

Kenteris, rarely mentioned among the favorites, became the first Greek man to win an Olympic running event since 1896 - the first modern Olympiad.

He later dedicated his victory to the victims of this week's Greek ferry disaster.

"It is a huge tragedy for Greece and a sad moment for us," the 27-year-old said of the ferry that sank near the Aegean island of Paros on Tuesday, claiming 65 lives.

"I dedicate this medal to the people who died in my country. I hope it can relieve some of the pain."

Ambitious

"I prepared very well and worked very hard for this. I always believed I could be in the final but race after race I became more and more ambitious because I was feeling really great."

Kenteris actually overcame a serious set of injuries to establishg himself as a runner.

It was later found that these ailments were caused by having one leg shorter than the other.

Shoe inserts and a specially designed stretching and strengthening regime enabled him to return to full fitness.

He is the first white sprinter to win an Olympic gold since Italian Pietro Mennea took the 200 metres in the 1980 Games boycotted by the United States.

Men's 200m final:

1. Konstantinos Kenteris (GRE) 20.09
2. Darren Campbell (GBR) 20.14
3. Ato Boldon (TRI) 20.20
4. Obadele Thompson (BAR) 20.20
5. Christian Malcolm (GBR) 20.23
6. Claudinei Silva (BRA) 20.28
7. Coby Miller (USA) 20.35
8. John Capel Jr (USA) 20.49