The China Mail - Alfred trumps Thomas in battle of Olympic sprint champions

Alfred, who had the worst reaction time out of the blocks of the field, produced a devastating final burst through the line to win in a stunning meet record of 21.51 seconds, bettering her own personal best by 0.20sec.

It left St Lucia's Olympic 100m champion third in the all-time list for the 200m. Only American world record holder Florence Griffith Joyner (21.34) and Jamaica's Shericka Jackson (21.41) have gone faster.

"It's not about the reaction time, it's about how you finish," said Alfred, whose 100m gold in Paris in 2024 was the first of any colour for her tiny Caribbean island homeland.

"I don't care about my reaction time, I was first, that's all that matters. I have been preparing for this for such a long time, to finally see it pay off, I am just happy."

Alfred added: "I didn't realise how fast it was, until I crossed the line.

"I looked at the clock and saw my time and that's why I was screaming like at the Olympics. Because I have been looking forward to this for such a long time.

"I am just so happy to see that time. There are no limits right now. Today, I was actually hoping to see 21.6, I got 21.5, so I am happy."

Olympic 200m gold medallist Thomas, in lane seven, with Alfred in six and Adaejah Hodge in five, made a good start.

But she was reeled in by the fast-finishing Alfred down the home straight.

Hodge of the British Virgin Islands nabbed second in 21.76 and Thomas, in her first Diamond League meet in two years, rounded out the podium in 21.84.

"It's just about getting experience, so I am very happy to be against the best in the world," said Hodge.

"We are going to go back after that world lead again in the 200m."

Hodge will now turn to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July, where Alfred will be a notable absentee, instead focusing on World Athletics' inaugural season-ending Ultimate Championship in Budapest in September.

"I need to get some more training under my belt. It has been a great season, I just want to finish out with something special and that's what I will be doing," Hodge said.

N.Lo--ThChM