Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson became the sprint queen of the Games as she beat World champion Daffne Schippers of the Netherlands in the 200m to add to her 100m gold, at the Olympic Stadium on Wednesday. With this double she emulated the iconic Florence Griffith-Joyner, who did the same in Seoul (1988).
The 24-year-old clocked a season best 21.78 seconds to beat the Dutch favourite by one-tenth of a second. USA’s Tori Bowie won the bronze to add to the silver in the 100m.
Thompson said it was only her fourth 200m race of the season and it felt amazing to win as she had struggled with a “lot of lactic pain” that forced her to lie down before the celebration.
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‘‘I came for gold. I was in good form. It is heavy to run six races. I felt that I was nearly passing her, but then I broke down. I am not happy with the silver,” said Schippers.
The evening also witnessed the sweep of the Americans in women’s 100m hurdles. Brianna Rollins won the gold in 12.48 seconds, ahead of Nia Ali (12.59) and Kristi Castlin (12.61).
USA’s Tianna Bartoletta, with a leap of 7.17m, dethroned compatriot Brittney Reese by 2cm in the women’s long jump.
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‘‘When I won, I realised that I have to be back in the morning for the relay. I can’t wait until I can eat a pizza,” said Tianna.
Bolt cruises, Gatlin outThere was shock in store in the semifinals of men’s 200m which Usain Bolt topped with a season-best time of 19.78 seconds.
Justin Gatlin of the United States failed to make the cut after he was beaten by Alonso Edward of Panama and Churandy Martina of the Netherlands in his semifinals.