8. TORI BOWIE
Tori Bowie is no long a dark horse, rather she is now a major contender. Photo Credit: Making of Champions/PaV Media
Tori Bowie first made the news as a Long Jumper. However, she has since changed the narrative and is currently regarded as one of the best female sprinters in the US, and the world at large. Bowie had an amazing 2016, storming to a then World Lead (WL) and Personal Best (PB) of 21.99s to win the 200m at the Eugene Diamond League ahead of reigning World Champion, Dafne Schippers.
The 26-year old was also outstanding at her maiden outing at the Olympics, winning Silver behind Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson in the 100m (10.83s), and Bronze in the 200m (22.15s). This made her USA’s most decorated Track athlete at the Rio Games as she was the only American runner to have claimed two individual medals in Brazil. Bowie capped her remarkable feat by anchoring the US women’s 4x100m team to a scorching time of 41.01s to win GOLD ahead of a stacked Jamaican side.
Team USA’s winning time is the second-fastest in history, and Bowie ended the Games as the fifth US woman to win medals in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m at the same Olympics. Interestingly, she won every colour of medal at stake, and was ranked No.3 in both the 100m and 200m 2016 world rankings.
Known for springing surprises, it will be interesting to see Bowie rekindle the battle for superiority with the likes of double Olympic Champion Thompson, and Dutchwoman Schippers ahead of the 2017 World Championships in London. And in a race where all three track divas are present, the result is highly unpredictable!
