Men’s 200m Final
Frank Fredericks – running in the favoured outside lane – made no mistakes in the final, powering to 20.10 (a new championship record) – and his first gold medal at a World Championships or Olympic Games since 1993. The Namibian drove out hard from the blocks, chased hard by Obadale Thompson in the lane inside him, and was a clear leader by the halfway point. Coming off the final bend, it was Fredericks from World Cup 100m winner Thompson, with defending champion Little struggling to stay in contention. As Fredericks flashed across the line – all eyes were on the clock – but the world record was safe. Thompson improved his best to an Area record of 20.26, while Little finished in 20.48 – for his third bronze medal at these championships.
Gold Medallist - FREDERICKS Frank (NAM)
"I got what I came here for, the gold medal. It was the most important thing
here. I want to add as many world titles to my list as possible. I have been training
harder and luckily have stayed healthier than ever this year. I ran well in Australia, and
had two great times here, I am very satisfied.
The track was a little bit bouncy on lane 6 but I wanted the last lane, so I didn't have
to pace myself with the athlete running ahead."
Silver Medallist - THOMPSON Obadele (BAR)
" I got a great lane and so I am quite satisfied. There is nothing more I could
have done to have caught Frankie (Fredericks). Most athletes come into a race against
Frankie already having decided to settle for second. This is defeat before you have begun
to run and I will not think like that.
I live and train in Austin, USA, with Rohsan Griffin and it is great feeling to be a part
of such a training group."
Bronze Medallist - LITTLE Kevin (USA)
"I am disappointed, because I came here wanting to win. Nevertheless I am happy
with the medal. I knew I needed a very fast time to win. Technically I do not think I ran
a very good race as I was battering the second curve. I lost a good bit of my momentum
going into it, which resulted in the 3rd place. Now I want to concentrate on the US
outdoor championships in June where I will run the 200. Hopefully I will be there in
Seville with another medal."
