Dafne’s no-win situation

OSLO: World champion Dafne Schippers was involved in a bizarre women’s 200m at the Oslo Diamond League meeting on Thursday when the Dutchwoman false-started, was allowed to race and won, was then disqualified and finally reinstated.

Schippers, celebrating her 25th birthday, made a false start in her race but was allowed to continue after signalling to officials that she could not hear.

The Dutchwoman won comfortably in 22.31 seconds before her disqualification was announced and Ivorian Murielle Ahoure, who finished in 22.74, was handed the win.

“It was noisy at the start, so much noise, very hard to concentrate,” said Schippers. “Such races happen sometimes so I must accept it.”

However, one hour later, the Diamond League organisers tweeted: “Confirmation: Dafne Schippers reinstated as winner in the 200m with a time of 22.31.”

No further explanation was given.

Caster Semenya snatched a win in the women’s 800m as she passed Francine Niyonsaba on the final straight after the Burundian runner led at the bell. – Reuters