Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare-Ighoteguonor on Saturday, raced to a 2nd place finish in the women’s 200m at the Jamaica International Invitational in Kingston, clocking a time of 22.66s.
The race was won by Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson who closed in on Okagbare-Ighoteguonor, crossing the line in 22.55s to secure the win. That was Jackson’s first 200m victory this season (excluding heats), having won Silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and finished 2nd at the Shanghai Diamond League.
Also in that race was 400m world champion, Phyllis Francis who came in 3rd, getting to the finish line in 22.76s.
Although she might not have gotten the win, Okagbare-Ighoteguonor would no doubt be satisfied with her good form this year, with yesterday’s race being her second 200m outing this season.
In March, she ran an African Record of 22.04s which still remains the World Lead (WL), ranking her above Shaunae Miller-Uibo who has the next two fastest times in the world this year over that distance.
Meanwhile in the 100m, Okagbare is the 2nd fastest woman in the world this year having finished 2nd at the Doha Diamond League, behind Ivory Coast’s Marie Josee Ta Lou who is the current World Leader.
With the season still in the early stages, and the African Athletics Championships starting in August, Okagbare-Ighoteguonor will no doubt be a favourite for the double alongside Ta Lou.
