Field loaded for women's 200-meter final at Tokyo Olympics
TOKYO -- Jamaicans Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce were head and shoulders over the rest of the field in the women’s 100 meters. The women’s 200 meters — scheduled for Tuesday at 8:50 a.m. ET (9:50 p.m. in Tokyo) —figures to be much more of a toss-up.
Thompson-Herah is just a few days removed from becoming a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 100 meters. She looks determined to secure another gold in the 200 meters. She ran a personal-best 21.66 to get into the 200-meter final. She’s entering the final with the best time through the rounds.
The 29-year-old could become the first woman in history to win the 100 and 200 meters in back-to-back Olympics.
If Thompson-Herah wants to achieve the feat, she’ll have to beat Fraser-Pryce for a second time in Tokyo. Fraser-Pryce cruised to an easy win in her first semifinal heat to automatically qualify for the finals.
“I'm glad I made it to the finals. I'm feeling good so I'm looking forward to the 200,” Fraser-Pryce said.
American Gabby Thomas, however, has the all-time fastest time in the competition.
Thomas is the second fastest woman to ever run the distance. She posted a world-leading and lifetime best of 21.61 at the U.S. trials in June.
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“My goals shifted after I ran that time (at trials). It went from making the Olympic team to being a gold medalist. Obviously, I know that nothing is given, I’m gonna have to earn that spot,” Thomas said.
The Harvard graduate advanced to the final round, running a 22.01. She was disappointed because of a second-place finish in her semifinals race but the sprinter has an opportunity to redeem herself in the final.
Thompson-Herah, Fraser-Pryce and Thomas are the three favorites. But there are more capable runners in the final.
Eighteen-year-old Christine Mboma, who ran a 21.97 to break a world under-20 record, former 400-meter Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo of the Bahamas and 100-meter African record holder Marie-Josee Ta Lou of the Ivory Coast should also be in the mix in what is a loaded women’s 200-meter final.
“The ladies are bringing it this year,” Fraser-Pryce said. “You have to be ready and prepared for anything.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tokyo Olympics: Women's 200 meter final loaded with talent
