The 200m semis was one of the highly anticipated events on Day 6 of the World Athletics Championships in Budapest as some of the fastest sprinters in the world were on a mission to make the final in a bid to pick up a medal.
The likes of Sha’Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles – both 100m champions in Budapest, are gunning for a double in these championships.
Lyles the defending champion from last year, ran a commanding race to win his heat in the fastest overall time in 19.76s despite easing off in the last few metres. Alex Ogando was 2nd in 20.08s while Tarsis Orgot came 3rd in 20.26s
Silver medallist Kenny Bednarek and African Record Holder Letsile Tebogo jogged to the finish line to win Heat 2 in 19.96s to 19.97s. Aaron Brown placed 3rd in 20.19s but was later disqualified for a lane infringement
Erriyon Knighton continued the U.S. sweep as he won the last heat in a relaxed 19.98s. Zharnel Hughes did just enough to grab the 2nd spot in 20.02s while the Olympic champion Andre De Grasse was 3rd in 20.10s.
On the women’s side, Gabby Thomas blazed to the only sub-22s time in the entire semis by winning her heat in 21.97s ahead of former World Champion Dina Asher-Smith who came through in 22.28s. Nataliah Whyte placed 3rd in 22.52s.
NCAA Champion Julien Alfred took Heat 2 in a strong 22.17s, slightly away from Daryll Neita who registered a PB of 22.21s. Anthonique Strachan was 3rd in 22.30s.
In the toughest and final heat, Shericka Jackson didn’t break a sweat to take the victory in 22.00s over the newly crowned 100m champion Richardson who found an extra gear in the closing phases to take 2nd in 22.20s. Marie Josee Ta Lou placed 3rd in 22.26s to snatch one of the fastest non-automatic spots.
