Reuters
Beijing, August 28: Dutch sensation Dafne Schippers clocked the fourth fastest run of all time to pip Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson by three-hundredths of a second and take 200 metres gold at the world championships here Friday.
The former heptathlete, who claimed silver in the 100 behind Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Monday, surged through the line in 21.63 seconds, the quickest time for 17 years in the half-lap sprint.
Only Americans Florence Griffith-Joyner, the world record holder, and Marion Jones, who was later banned for doping, have run faster.
“I can’t believe it,” Schippers told reporters. “What a race! What a tournament for me! I think they’ll be going crazy in the Netherlands at the moment.”
Thompson, 23, was second in a personal best 21.66 while bronze went to her compatriot, twice Olympic champion Veronica Campbell-Brown, in 21.97.
Jamaica’s Danielle Williams won the world championship 100 metres hurdles gold as her more experienced rivals crumbled under pressure Friday.
She took the lead after the last flight, winning in a personal best 12.57 seconds ahead of Germany’s Cindy Roleder who also clocked a best time of 12.59. Bronze went to Aline Talay in a Belarus record 12.66.
American champion Tianna Bartoletta became world long jump champion once again Friday, snatching the gold medal with a leap of 7.14 metres in the final round.
Khushbir, Sapna disappoint
Beijing: National record holder Khushbir Kaur finished a disappointing 37th while compatriot Sapna was disqualified from the women’s 20km race walk event on the seventh day of the World Athletics Championships. Khushbir clocked 1:38:53 to finish 37th. World record holder Liu Hong of China finally struck gold as she clocked 1:27:45s.