Dafne Schippers wins the women's 200m at the IAAF Continental Cup, Marrakech 2014 (© Getty Images)
Third behind Allyson Felix and Myriam Soumare at the IAAF Diamond League final in Brussels nine days ago, Dafne Schippers returned to winning ways at 200m.
The multi-talented 22-year-old from the Netherlands did so in style, powering away from the field off the bend and finishing a decisive winner in 22.28.
The double European sprint champion did tire somewhat in the final 30 metres and reached for the line with her dip but still finished 0.25 clear of her closest pursuer, Joanna Atkins of the USA taking second place in 22.53 with Schippers’ Europe partner Soumare third in 22.58.
It has been a breakthrough year in the sprints for Schippers, who finishes 2014 second to Felix on the 200m world list (by a tantalising 0.01) with the 22.03 that completed her European sprint double in Zurich.
Her first love remains heptathlon, however, and she intends to compete in the famous Hypo Meet in Gotzis, Austria, in May next year before deciding on her plans for the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Beijing.
“It’s been a great but difficult season,” said Schippers, who finished third in the 100m on Saturday. “The time tonight was not the best but it was enough to win and that’s what counts.
“I am planning some holiday now but I will be back in training in October to get ready for the 2015 indoor season.”
Simon Turnbull for the IAAF
