In the women’s 200-meter race at the London Athletics Meet 2024 Diamond League on Saturday, world record holder Gabby Thomas emerged victorious from a close finish.
Although Thomas had gotten off to a strong start, the London Stadium fans thought a British victory was imminent since Dina Asher-Smith got off to an equally quick start.
With a fantastic bend, Asher-Smith nailed the lead straight. However, as the meters ran out, Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia passed the 2019 world champion as she approached the finish line.
Thomas also kicked after a slow curve, overtaking Asher-Smith first and then beating Alfred at the line to win in 21.82 seconds against a headwind that was pretty constant at 0.9 m/s.
The previous record for the London Diamond League meet, held by Jamaican Elaine Thompson-Herah (22.10 from 2015), was broken in that time.
In a new St. Lucian record of 21.86, Alfred trailed four hundredths of a second, while Asher-Smith finished third (22.07), ahead of her British teammate Daryll Neita.
Thomas, who is expected to be among the main competitors for world champion Shericka Jackson at the Olympic Games in Paris, had an impressive race. In less than two weeks, the athletics program will start.
“I’m in a great mood. After the race, Thomas said, “I feel more confident heading into the Paris Games.” “All in all, I had a really good race when I got off the plane and arrived at this stadium full of fans. This is the greatest Diamond League crowd I’ve ever seen; it’s simply so much fun.”
The outcome was a little unexpected for Alfred, who is concentrating on the 100m as well after winning the Monaco Diamond League last week. She later said, “I don’t know what to think.”
In the race, I felt powerful. After returning to Monaco for some training, I’m heading to Paris. Above all, I just want to have fun, even though I’d love to win a medal in both. I’m new to the games, so having fun is crucial.”
