A rivalry renewed
Within the 100m on the 2022 European Championships, Darryl Neita completed third however simply 0.01 seconds behind Gina Lückenkemper and Mujinga Kambunji. So close to and but to date. In 2022, Kambundji had additionally received the 200 in 22.32. Neita entered the 100 this 12 months however withdrew to focus on the 200. Kambundji was within the 100 however completed eighth. Within the 2024 semi-finals of the 200m, they have been the 2 quickest – Neita 22.51, Kambundji 22.52.
Regardless of being the quickest within the closing, Neita discovered herself in lane 8 and Kambundji in lane 6. Kambundji had the higher begin. There was nothing between them on the road—however after all, there have been 0.01 seconds as ordinary. Once more, this time, it was in Mujinga Kambundji’s favor.
The winner stated afterward: “I used to be completely happy to race; it was simply that I’ve had a troublesome starting of the season; it was under no circumstances how I needed it. On the 100m it acquired higher yesterday, that gave me loads of confidence and at present I used to be simply completely happy to race. I knew that it could be tight. Daryll is in a terrific form. However I’m over the moon to defend my title. I’m often calmer earlier than the 200m, possibly as a result of it’s longer and I can not lose an excessive amount of power. I used to be actually calm; it gave me confidence. The win offers me loads of confidence for Paris. That is simply step one, and Paris is the large objective. Now I do know it’s right here, and I can work on various things. Two 200m gold medals for Switzerland, that is so loopy. I used to be so proud to see Timothe [Mumenthaler] win a medal. Additionally, my sister received a medal. It motivates me so much seeing the opposite Swiss win medals”.
Neita has had a terrific begin to her season, having already received two Diamond League races. She anticipated extra, as her trustworthy feedback conveyed: “I’m truthfully simply so disillusioned as a result of I actually needed that gold medal. I understand how a lot I ought to have gotten it [the gold]. I believed it was shut on the road; I may really feel myself dipping, which isn’t my strongest factor. I’m completely happy for the winner; I’m not a bitter athlete. I’m upset at myself as a result of I got here right here for the gold, however I’m grateful to complete the race wholesome. It’s nonetheless the center of the season, so I can’t let this dictate how my season goes; larger issues are occurring this season. I got here right here for the gold and gave all I had; operating a season’s finest on this stage was not sufficient. I have to get again to work. Actually, I have no idea precisely what to work on now. I don’t wish to be too adverse as a result of a medal continues to be a medal, and it’s nonetheless an achievement. However I actually needed that gold”.
Take a look at the 200-meter Ladies’s closing, courtesy of European Athletics!
