Defeated by Sha’Carri Richardson, Daryll Neita changes Events for Stockholm Diamond League

Daryll Neita has a change of plans after getting defeated by Sha’Carri Richardson. Neita, who earlier got the better of the American, failed to replicate her antics in the recently concluded Prefontaine Classics 2024. Making her season debut at the Suzhou Diamond League, the Brit clinched victory with a time of 22.62s, leaving Richardson (23.11) reeling at the third place.

But when the duo clashed in the 100m discipline of the Prefontaine Classics, the tides turned pretty quickly. Clocking an impressive 10.83s, Richardson picked up the victory while Neita languished in third place. And well, this defeat has made Neita revisit her decisions for the upcoming tournaments. 

Neita to now compete in 100m at the Stockholm Diamond League

With the Paris Olympics knocking at the door, tournaments are coming thick and fast. Likewise, a significant step ahead of Paris would be the Stockholm Diamond League. The event, scheduled for a June 2 start, is expected to witness the likes of Sha’Carri Richardson, Shericka Jackson, and more icons from the track and field realm. A major attraction for the event was the face-off between Shericka Jackson and Daryll Neita. 

Unfortunately, as the new updates came in, it was found that Neita had changed her events. She will not be competing in the previously stipulated 200m discipline. The same was confirmed by an X account named, Owen M. The post read, “UPDATE: Daryll Neita has withdrawn from the 200m and is now entered in the 100m where she’ll go up against Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith.”

Well, trying to regroup after her recent loss, Neita will try to come back stronger in Stockholm. Going into the tournament, her primary opponent will be Cote d’Ivoire’s Marie-Josee Ta Lou-Smith. Smith was heavily favored by the fans ahead of the Prefontaine Classics but failed to break into the top 3. Clocking a modest 11.05s, Ta Lou-Smith secured a sixth-place finish and would also be hoping for a comeback. However, coming back to Daryll Neita, winning the Stockholm DL would be pivotal in her advancement towards her Olympic dreams. 

Daryll Neita’s Olympic dreams

Daryll Neita already has Olympic medals in her kitty. However, both of them came in a team effort in the 4x100m relay at the 2016 and 2020 Olympics. Now, eyeing further glory, the athlete from Great Britain has her eyes fixed on individual glory. Speaking about her Olympic dreams, Neita stated, “My goals are through the roof. I don’t put limits on myself at all… 100% I am aiming for individual medals this summer. I don’t see why anyone shouldn’t believe they can; everyone should aim to be the best.”

Catching up with BBC Sport, Daryll Neita also stated that her victory against Sha’Carri Richardson was a pleasant surprise. She gave credit to the hard work of her coach and felt proud of being able to deliver. Neita also believes that such a strong start to the season would amplify her vision of securing individual medals in Paris. Thus, with things picking up pace, all eyes will be on Daryl Neita come June 2.