Long-awaited gold for Canadian De Grasse – beat four Americans in final – Dagsavisen

The 26-year-old has been part of the world’s elite for many years, but has failed to reach the top on big occasions. Five years ago there was bronze in the 100m and silver in the 200m at the Rio Olympics, as well as a bronze medal in the relay.

In Tokyo, he again won bronze in the 100 meters. But in the double distance, De Grasse set a Canadian record in the semi-finals and final, and he won ahead of American duo Kenneth Bednarek and Noah Lyles in a top-level race.

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The wait is over

– I waited for this moment. I trained hard for this, said De Grasse.

– I returned (to the hotel of the athletes) after the 100 meters and I was a little disappointed with myself because I could have done better. I said to myself, “I have to go take this 200 meters, I have to take it”.

The Canadian also holds two World Cup bronze medals in the 100 meters and one World Cup silver medal in the 200 meters.

Wednesday, he did not let himself be stopped. He got off to a near perfect start and kept the cook until the end. He succeeds Usain Bolt as the distance champion. Bolt has won Olympic gold in the 200 meters three times in a row starting in 2008.

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Highlights

– It was a good race. My coach told me I have to drive hard on the turn, that I have to follow Kenny (Bednarek), who has a fantastic turn. “And when you come out of that corner relax and sink, that’s what you’re good at,” De Grasse said.

Three Americans followed closely behind. 17-year-old Erriyon Knighton impressed with 19.93 despite a weak start and took 4th place.

The tire on the Tokyo athletics track continues to deliver good times. Bednarek ran 19.68 which was also a personal best. Bronze medalist Lyles set the best time of the season (19.74), while Joseph Fahnbulleh (19.98) in 5th place lowered Liberia’s national record.

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