Olympics-Athletics-Dominant Thomas wins first 200m world title By Reuters
By Mitch Phillips and Lori Ewing
PARIS (Reuters) – American Gabby Thomas finally won a long-promised world title when she dominated the 200 meters gold at the Olympics on Tuesday, denying silver medalist Julien Alfred a double run.
Thomas, 27, took bronze in Tokyo and silver at last year's world championships, but gold has eluded one of the sport's most respected athletes and he has been vocal about his pursuit of an Olympic title.
Dominating the finish throughout the race, Thomas came home in 21.83 seconds and smiled in disbelief, hands on his head, as he crossed the line.
“Actually, I was just chilling, I don't even remember what I was doing, I just wanted to win,” said Thomas.
“The only moment I remember was crossing the line and in disbelief, that was it.”
Alfred, who claimed Saint Lucia's first Olympic medal when she won the 100m on Saturday, was off the pace but was a clear second in 22.08, with Brittany Brown taking bronze for the US in 20.20.
“I'm tired. It's been five days,” Alfred told reporters. “I felt ready for the 200m tonight. I feel good, no complaints at all. This means a lot. First Olympics, coming back with gold and silver, I can't ask for more than that.”
Thomas arrived in Paris in the world's fastest time of 21.78 this season and made a bold statement in Monday's semi-final when he easily edged away from the field in the final 50m to cross the line with a smiling 21.86 seconds.
The race, which began with a dazzling light show at the Stade de France, was not clear to Thomas who has a degree from Harvard in neurobiology and a Master's in public health from the University of Texas.
“I've honestly never forgotten a race so quickly in my life,” said Thomas, who rang the victory bell on the side of the American flag-draped track.
“I was just driving on autopilot, but I was practicing, all I was doing until then was preparing to run this race, so I just knew how to do it, I did it,” he said.
“I only managed one bite of the famous croissant cookie you have here, so I'll go get it tomorrow.”
There was great frustration for British duo Dina Asher-Smith, and Daryll Neita who finished fourth and fifth, with Asher-Smith missing out on a medal by two hundredths of a second.
“I really enjoyed that. I just said to myself 'if the gun goes, just run' and whatever happens, happens. It was a great race,” Asher-Smith said. “I was focused on my race, I didn't even know where I finished.
Jamaican world champion Shericka Jackson withdrew from Sunday's match due to injury.
