Gabby Thomas Matches Allyson Felix?s Meet Record to Win the 200M at Doha Diamond League

USA’s Gabby Thomas matched the Doha Diamond League record to win, finishing in 21.98 seconds with a 1.3 m/s tailwind. Allyson Felix previously set the record back in 2015. Bagging second place, Shericka Jackson clocked in 22.07 seconds, ahead of 2019 World Champion Dina Asher-Smith, who set a time of 22.37 seconds.

This is a new season’s best for Gabby Thomas, who holds the third-fastest time in history at 21.61 seconds set in June last year.

Gabby Thomas matched Allyson Felix’s meet record

Back in 2015, Felix set the 21.98 record and today Gabby Thomas took over. Where it looked like Asher-Smith might take the title at first, she faded quickly as Thomas and Jackson took over. They went head-to-head until Thomas came through the middle and matched Felix’s record.

“I was nervous, but I feel great now. It is such a great feeling to play here with the crowd. It gives me good energy,” Thomas said upon winning. She added, “It is beautiful to be here in Doha.”

A bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics and the fastest ever season opener by any 200m sprinter in history a couple months ago, Gabby Thomas is setting up for an incredible year.

READ MORE: Did US Track Star Gabby Thomas Graduate From Harvard?

Looking toward the world championships

Thomas opened the season in March with the fastest wind-assisted mark in history at 21.69 seconds with 3.1 m/s tailwind. In her top form, she will be a top contender for the world title. However, Namibian rival Christine Mboma, who missed the race because of an injury, will be fit to battle it out at the World Athletics Championships in July. Of course, she won’t be the only one Thomas will have to beat. Asher-Smith as the reigning champion would be looking for a rematch. ?

Moreover, the fastest woman alive, Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah, as well as Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, will be there for the challenge. On the other hand, rising American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson is yet to make an appearance this season. Unfolding with incredible heat, the competitive spirit this year is at a fever pitch. Thomas’ win at Doha is, hopefully, just the beginning. Will we see any more records broken by the sprinter this season?

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