Okagbare upsets favourites to win in Birmingham
JULY 1, 2013
Nigeria's medal hopeful, Blessing Okagbare
Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare upset favourites Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Carmelita Jeter to win the 200 meters at the Diamond League meeting in Birmingham on Sunday.
The race had been billed as a clash between Jamaica’s Olympic 100 winner Fraser-Pryce and world sprint champion Jeter of the US but Okagbare finished strongly winning in 22.55.
Fraser-Pryce, who plans to run the 100 and 200 at August’s world championships in Moscow, was second in 22.72 with Jeter, competing for first time since suffering a hamstring injury in Shanghai in May, finishing last in 23.36.
Jeter declined to talk to waiting reporters but training partner Okagbare did not think the American’s performance was a cause for concern.
“She’s fine. You saw her run today so you can tell for yourself,” the Nigerian told reporters. “It’s good she’s come back.
“I’m not a good starter so I have more of an advantage on the 200,” added Okagbare, who has yet to decide whether she will attempt a sprint double in Moscow.
“With the upcoming world championships, the goal is to stay healthy.”
Jamaican Nesta Carter took the men’s 100 in the absence of his better-known compatriots Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake, winning in 9.99.
Britain’s James Dasaolu recorded a personal best of 10.03 for second and the ever-green Kim Collins, world champion in 2003, was third (10.06).
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