Allyson Felix of the United States celebrates winning gold in the Women's 200m Final on Day 12 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 8, 2012 (© Getty Images)
Allyson Felix finally rid herself of the demons which have seen her beaten for the last two Olympic 200m gold medals with a spectacular half lap navigation of the very fast London track which finally banished those two past disappointments.
The 26-year-old American's brilliantly executed bend running saw her burst into the home straight marginally ahead of her main rivals before maximising her momentum and finishing in 21.88sec - a magnificent UK All-Comers' record.
Felix showing almost the same speed which took her to the top of the 2012 World rankings when clocking 21.69 - the fourth fastest ever 200m performance by a woman - at the USA Olympic trials, saw her triumph ahead of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Carmelita Jeter.
As Felix sped down the home straight, Fraser-Pryce was best of the rest but had no answer when the inspired three-time World champion put in another spurt in the last 10 metres but herself was rewarded with a personal best of 22.09.
Jeter another 100m specialist, was in the mix until 40 metres from the line but last weekend's 100m silver medallist behind defending champion Fraser-Pryce, fell away but took the bronze medal in 22.14.
Behind her Veronica Campbell-Brown, bidding to become the first woman to achieve a record three victories, stuttered halfway down the straightway finishing in 22.38, narrowly holding off the Games 400m title winner Sanya Richards-Ross by 0.01sec.
"It's been a long time coming," said the elated winner after the frustration of following Campbell-Brown across the line in Athens and Beijing. "I am so overjoyed, my boyfriend and family, everyone was here."
Felix added: "I thought back to the disappointment in Beijing. It's been a long road, I never wanted to give up. It's been a journey - never easy, but you can't lose sight of your dream."
"It's just awesome, I've wanted it for so long. This moment is really priceless.
"To twice lose to the same person, it's been tough. But it's all paying off. To get on the podium will be so emotional."
Fraser-Pryce collecting another medal after her 100m victory, said: "Oh my God, I am so grateful. To come here and get a silver, they are all such fast ladies - it's a blessing."
"A lot of hard work and discipline has gone into this. My coach has believed in me so much, I can't believe I've come here and got two medals."
Campbell-Brown a highly experienced four-time Olympian, congratulating Felix, said: "We've been racing each other for years. I'm happy for her. I knew how bad she wanted it."
There was also praise from teammate Richards-Ross who said: "She has had a wonderful season and definitely deserved this moment and I am happy for her."
"These ladies are quick, so it was a difficult task. It was an amazing opportunity to compete here in two events. I knew that the field was going to be very, very challenging, one of the best fields."
"To be in that field and finish fifth, I'm happy with that," added the one lap gold medallist. "I will definitely do it again. I've gained tremendous experience."
At the back of the field Murielle Ahoure finished in 22.57, Myriam Soumare clocked 22.63 with Semoy Hackett the tail ender, recording 22.87.
David Martin for the IAAF
The 26-year-old American's brilliantly executed bend running saw her burst into the home straight marginally ahead of her main rivals before maximising her momentum and finishing in 21.88sec - a magnificent UK All-Comers' record.
Felix showing almost the same speed which took her to the top of the 2012 World rankings when clocking 21.69 - the fourth fastest ever 200m performance by a woman - at the USA Olympic trials, saw her triumph ahead of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Carmelita Jeter.
As Felix sped down the home straight, Fraser-Pryce was best of the rest but had no answer when the inspired three-time World champion put in another spurt in the last 10 metres but herself was rewarded with a personal best of 22.09.
Jeter another 100m specialist, was in the mix until 40 metres from the line but last weekend's 100m silver medallist behind defending champion Fraser-Pryce, fell away but took the bronze medal in 22.14.
Behind her Veronica Campbell-Brown, bidding to become the first woman to achieve a record three victories, stuttered halfway down the straightway finishing in 22.38, narrowly holding off the Games 400m title winner Sanya Richards-Ross by 0.01sec.
"It's been a long time coming," said the elated winner after the frustration of following Campbell-Brown across the line in Athens and Beijing. "I am so overjoyed, my boyfriend and family, everyone was here."
Felix added: "I thought back to the disappointment in Beijing. It's been a long road, I never wanted to give up. It's been a journey - never easy, but you can't lose sight of your dream."
"It's just awesome, I've wanted it for so long. This moment is really priceless.
"To twice lose to the same person, it's been tough. But it's all paying off. To get on the podium will be so emotional."
Fraser-Pryce collecting another medal after her 100m victory, said: "Oh my God, I am so grateful. To come here and get a silver, they are all such fast ladies - it's a blessing."
"A lot of hard work and discipline has gone into this. My coach has believed in me so much, I can't believe I've come here and got two medals."
Campbell-Brown a highly experienced four-time Olympian, congratulating Felix, said: "We've been racing each other for years. I'm happy for her. I knew how bad she wanted it."
There was also praise from teammate Richards-Ross who said: "She has had a wonderful season and definitely deserved this moment and I am happy for her."
"These ladies are quick, so it was a difficult task. It was an amazing opportunity to compete here in two events. I knew that the field was going to be very, very challenging, one of the best fields."
"To be in that field and finish fifth, I'm happy with that," added the one lap gold medallist. "I will definitely do it again. I've gained tremendous experience."
At the back of the field Murielle Ahoure finished in 22.57, Myriam Soumare clocked 22.63 with Semoy Hackett the tail ender, recording 22.87.
David Martin for the IAAF
