BERLIN, August 19, 2009 (AFP) - Sanya Richards danced the Dallas Boogie here on Tuesday night as well she might having at last laid to rest her individual title drought by winning the women's 400 meters world title in sparkling fashion.

The 24-year-old, who left her native Jamaica aged 12 and became a naturalised US citizen in May 2002, had failed to deliver at the 2005 worlds and the Olympics last year.

However, this time round there were no nerves as she held back and then delivered a devastating turn of speed round the final bend leaving a world class field including her bitter rival Christine Ohuruogu and Olympic silver medalist Shericka Williams trailing in her wake.

The relief on her face was evident for all to see before letting out a shriek of delight which she probably hadn't experienced since watching her fiancee New York Giants cornerback Aaron Ross win the 2008 Super Bowl.

Then came the Dallas Boogie from an athlete that in a different way to Jamaica's Usain Bolt adds character and style to the circuit - the dance was in a way no surprise to those close to her as she loves to sing and dance for her friends.

"The dance is called the Dallas Boogie," said Richards, who is coached by legend Michael Johnson's former handler Clyde Hart.

"I told my cousin and sister that if I won I was going to do it and I went for it.

"I hope there are people across the world doing the Dallas boogie now."

Richards can be thankful for even having the chance to compete after contracting the rare Behcet's disease in 2007 and developing mouth ulcers which at times made it too painful to eat and lesions on her legs which felt like hot irons pressing on her skin.

However, all that was forgotten in the moment of victory as she admitted that getting this monkey off her back was a huge relief.

"I can't say I am glad to have waited that long, but I think you have to learn for things to grow and I am happy it came in 2009 and I hope it is the start of a lot more titles to come," she said.

Richards, who had garnered four major 4x400m relay golds going into the championships, said that the bitter past experiences had strengthened her resolve instead of casting dark thoughts about the possibility of losing again.

"I didn't have much doubt in myself going into this race, I knew what had happened in the past," said Richards.

"When I had a negative thought I just let it go, it helps to have a lot of positive energy, I felt relaxed and I could run a really good race."

For Richards at last it was time to be able to say she was a world champion in her own right and understandably it was taking time to sink in.

"This is an overwhelming experience, I was confident in my race strategy and I enjoyed every step around the track, I am just so happy to be a world champion."