Dafne Schippers beats Allyson Felix to underline her status as world’s top woman sprinterl
World champion Dafne Schippers proved she will be the sprinter to beat over 200 metres at next year’s Rio Games with victory over Olympic champion Allyson Felix at the Diamond League athletics finale in Brussels on Friday.
The Dutchwoman, a former heptathlete who took the 200m world title in Beijing with the fourth fastest time in history, showed she has finishing speed to pull clear and finish in 22.12 seconds.
Felix, who won the 400 metres in Beijing but did not run the 200 metres due to a scheduling clash, was a further 0.10 seconds back, but did at least have the consolation of winning the season-long Diamond Race and its US$40,000 cash prize.
If you can win everything it gives you a good feeling. It’s a fine way of ending the season
Schippers, 23, said she was delighted to have settled any lingering debate about who is the fastest for now.
“If you can win everything it gives you a good feeling. It’s a fine way of ending the season,” she said.
Felix said her final 100 metres was lacking, perhaps a result of focusing on the 400 metres for most of the season, but commended Schippers on an incredible year.
“That’s a big confidence booster and you expect her to do well,” she said.