Tokyo bronze medalist Gabby Thomas began her journey towards her first Olympic gold by competing in the first round of the women’s 200m sprint. Thomas dominated the initial heat of the day, clocking a leading time of 22.20 seconds.
Thomas experienced stiff competition as British star Dina Asher-Smith and Nigeria’s Favour Ofili finished less than a tenth of a second behind her in the final heat. American Brittany Brown secured fourth place with a time of 22.38 seconds, while McKenzie Long rounded off a strong performance for the United States, qualifying with a time of 22.55 seconds.
The 200m event in Paris will see a different lineup following the unexpected withdrawal of reigning world champion Shericka Jackson before the first heat. Missing from the event are also the defending Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah and American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, who did not qualify at the U.S. Trials.
Julien Alfred, who clinched the 100m gold medal, and Great Britain’s Daryll Neita topped the standings. Alongside Thomas, they are the only athletes from the top five at the 2023 World Championships still competing in the event.
Alfred, after winning the women’s 100m gold medal Saturday night at 9:20 p.m. Paris Time, participated in her preliminary sprint at 10:55 a.m. Sunday morning, just over 13 hours later.