Houston (AFP) – Reigning Olympic champion Gabby Thomas won the women’s 200 meters in 21.70 seconds, this year’s world-fastest time, to capture the title on Saturday at the Lone Star Grand Prix. With her effort in College Station, Texas, Thomas broke the former 2026 world best of 21.86 by reigning Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred of St. Lucia, set on April 30 in Austin, Texas.
Thomas seized the lead on the turn in hot and humid conditions and surged to victory with fellow American Kayla White second in 22.07 and Nigeria’s Favour Ofili third in 22.15. “I have to say I was a little surprised by the time,” Thomas said. “But I’ve been training hard. Had a great little tour in Africa and I’ve been back to the track and I’ve been working, and I’m glad it’s paying off.”
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Thomas, who also captured Paris 2024 Olympic gold with the US women in the 4×100 and 4×400 relays, has had a relaxed season. “I get to pick the meets I want to do and I’m having fun with it,” she said. “I look forward to waking up and getting to the track every day.”
© 2024 AFP
