The Fastest Women's 200m || Dina Asher-Smith, Gabby Thomas, Melissa Jefferson

The Fastest Women's 200m || Dina Asher-Smith, Gabby Thomas, Melissa Jefferson

The first Grand Slam track meet in Kingston, Jamaica, offered an electrifying start to the season, with the women’s 200 meters delivering some of the most impressive performances. American Olympic medalist Gabby Thomas dominated the race, crossing the finish line in 22.62 seconds. From the very start, drawn in lane seven, Thomas showed exceptional control on the curve, combining power, efficiency, and composure to assert her dominance. Her tall frame, often thought to be a disadvantage around bends, proved no obstacle as she accelerated down the home straight, leaving her rivals trailing.

Among the elite field was Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith, the 2019 World Champion, positioned in lane eight. Despite not having consistently reached her peak in recent years, Asher-Smith demonstrated resilience and technical skill, challenging Thomas early in the race before fading slightly in the final 50 meters to secure a respectable third place. Her presence reminded spectators of her enduring talent and British sprinting legacy.

Adding to the depth of the competition was Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser, the 2019 400m World Champion, who arrived in Kingston shortly after posting a fast 400m in the Dominican Republic. Naser’s speed and endurance brought additional intrigue, highlighting the unusual strength of the field for a 200m contest. However, the most surprising performance came from the Dominican Republic’s Marileidy Paulino. Known primarily for her 400m prowess, Paulino demonstrated remarkable versatility, finishing second in 22.93 seconds—her fastest time of the season. This performance not only secured her valuable series points but also emphasized her adaptability across sprint distances, signaling her growing prominence on the international circuit.