Gabby Thomas Triumphs in Olympic 200m as British Sprinters Miss Podium by Margins

Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith and Daryll Neita narrowly missed out on the Olympic 200m podium in Paris, finishing just fractions of a second behind the medalists. American Gabby Thomas dominated the final, claiming gold with a time of 21.83 seconds.

Thomas, who had been a favorite following the withdrawal of Jamaica’s world champion Shericka Jackson, produced a commanding performance to secure her first Olympic gold. Despite being a strong contender, Thomas had to settle for world silver behind Jackson last year and Olympic bronze in Tokyo.

Asher-Smith finished fourth with a time of 22.22 seconds, while Neita came fifth in 22.23 seconds. Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia took silver with 22.08 seconds, and American Brittany Brown secured bronze with 22.20 seconds. Both British sprinters were aiming to become the first British women to reach the Olympic sprint podium in 64 years.

Thomas expressed her disbelief and joy after crossing the finish line. "I've envisioned this race over and over in my head so many times, as I do with every race, and that's how I win races," she said. "But I did not expect to feel how I felt when I crossed that line. I couldn't believe it. I never would have imagined in my wildest dreams that I would become an Olympic gold medallist. It was the happiest moment of my life."

Julien Alfred’s silver was her second Olympic medal, following her history-making gold in the 100m, which made her St Lucia's first Olympic medallist. Brittany Brown’s bronze was her second global medal, her first since the 2019 World Championships, where she earned silver behind Asher-Smith.

The race highlighted Thomas's exceptional form and resilience, as well as the narrow margins that separated the top contenders in a thrilling final.