Webb stuns Coleman in 200m at US world trials
sacramento — Sprinter Christian Coleman suffered a shock 200m defeat as upsets dominated the final day of the US World Championship Trials on Sunday.
Coleman, the 21-year-old seen as the rising star of American sprinting, was pipped in a photofinish by Ameer Webb at Sacramento’s Hornet Stadium.
It was a second disappointing loss for Coleman, who was beaten in the 100m final by veteran Justin Gatlin on Friday.
Coleman, the fastest man in the world this year over 100m after recording 9.82 seconds earlier this month, could only manage 20.10, with Webb squeezing ahead in 20.09. Elijah Hall-Thompson was third in 20.21.
“It has been a long weekend,” Coleman said afterwards.
“I felt my legs tighten up near the end a bit — but no excuses, it was a great race,” he added.
The race had already been deprived of the presence of teenager Noah Lyles, who withdrew with a sore hamstring before the race.
There was another upset in the women’s 200, where favourite Tori Bowie was upstaged by youngster Deajah Stevens.
Bowie looked perfectly placed coming off the curve but Stevens produced a superb finish in the final 50 meters to surge clear and take the tape in 22.30. Kimberlyn Duncan was second in 22.59 while Bowie was third with 22.60.
Bowie, however, insisted she was happy with her third place.
“I was trying to make the team in both events to give myself an option,” she said. “I overachieved today.”
The upsets continued in the final race of the day when 110m hurdles world record-holder Aries Merritt was beaten into second by Aleec Harris. Harris won in 13.24 with Merritt second in 13.31.
Merritt, who is working his way back to full fitness after injury following his 2015 kidney transplant, had no complaints.
“I made the team, and the national championship meet is about coming in the top three,” Merritt said. “Third is as good as first.” The top three finishers in each event at the US trials qualify for the August 5-13 World Championships in London.
In a blisteringly fast women’s 400 hurdles, 2016 Olympic champion Dalilah Muhammad turned on the style to win in the quickest time of the year, crossing in 52.64.
Muhammad was quickly into her stride and led by a big margin entering the home straight, holding off a strong finish from Shamier Little in 52.75 with Kori Carter third in 52.95.