American sprinter Justin Gatlin extended his winning streak with a resounding victory in the 200m Friday (18) at the Monaco Diamond League, securing a world leading personal best (PB) time of 19.68secs.
Undefeated over the 100m this season, the 31-year-old former champion got home ahead of Jamaica’s Nickel Ashmeade (19.99), who leads by six points in the race for the coveted diamond trophy, and France’s Christophe Lemaitre (20.08). In fourth place was USA’s Tyson Gay (20.22), who was running his second race since he returned last week from serving a drug ban.
Prior to Gatlin’s win, long-jumper-turned-sprinter Tori Bowie also of the USA ran her fastest time this season in 10.80secs, making her the fastest woman this year. Trailing Bowie home was Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica in 10.99, who also trails her by ten points in the race for the diamond.
A third world leading time by an American came in the women’s 800m where 20-year-old Ajee Wilson posted 1min, 57.67secs. Before Friday, Kenya’s Eunice Sum was undefeated in the event; however, she still holds an eleven-point lead over Wilson in the Diamond League points standing. Complete results