MONACO (July 21) – Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson dominated a strong field to win the women’s 200m at the Wanda Diamond League in Monaco on Friday, 21 July, clocking an impressive, yet easy-looking time of 21.86 seconds. The race today featured the three fastest women and five of the top six in the 200m in 2023.
Jackson, the reigning world champion in the event, outperformed her rivals, including world leader and Olympic bronze medalist Gabrielle Thomas of the USA, who faded badly in the home straight and finished seventh with a time of 22.67 seconds.
Thomas, who had previously set the world lead time of 21.60 seconds earlier this month at the USATF Championships, admitted to being jet-lagged. – Read more: Complete Monaco Diamond League 2023 results; Faith Kipyegon smashes mile WR
| Rank | Name | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shericka Jackson | JAM | 21.86 |
| 2 | Julien Alfred | LCA | 22.08 |
| 3 | Dina Asher-Smith | GBR | 22.23 |
| 4 | Anthonique Strachan | BAH | 22.40 |
| 5 | Daryll Neita | GBR | 22.54 |
| 6 | Kayla White | USA | 22.54 |
| 7 | Gabrielle Thomas | USA | 22.67 |
| 8 | Tamara Clark | USA | 22.83 |
Meanwhile, NCAA champion Julien Alfred from Saint Lucia finished second with a time of 22.08 seconds, while Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith, the 2019 world champion, came in third, clocking a season-best time of 22.23 seconds.
Asher-Smith seems to be rounding into good shape, beating her British compatriot and national champion Daryll Neita, who finished fifth.
Jackson, who was quite surprised to see the clock stopped at a time under-22 seconds, revealed after the race that she has been straight through these competitions.
“I had a hard training session yesterday and still I was able to run 21 seconds, so that is good. I want to make sure I am on the top of my shape in Budapest,” Jackson said after the race.
“Honestly, the curve was hard enough… I have to go back to the training for this. I am healthy, and I am happy to be here and I enjoy running.”
The Diamond League standings after four of six qualification meetings show Asher-Smith leading with 18 points, followed by Jackson with 16 points, and Kayla White of the USA with 13 points.
The Wanda Diamond League series continues in London on Sunday, with athletes vying for points and the chance to compete in the final meetings.
The women’s 200m top list is here
PHOTO: Shericka Jackson wins Monaca Diamond League 200m. Photo by Chiara Montesano for Diamond League AG
