Shericka Jackson pulls out of the women’s 200m at Paris 2024 Olympics as Gabrielle Thomas and Julien Alfred reach semis

Daryll Neita and U.S. duo McKenzie Long and Brittany Brown advance

With Jackson’s lane vacant in the third heat, Daryll Neita comfortably won and will know her chances of a medal have now increased – the Team GB star having placed fifth at the worlds last year, and finishing fourth in the 100m on Saturday night.

“I’m feeling amazing, it’s good to come out here after a short turnaround from last night. It’s an amazing atmosphere,” Neita told Olympics.com afterwards.

“The rain [last night] was like a bit of the UK wanted to come over and be a part of it. It was an amazing achievement for me coming fourth in the 100m final, which is such an incredible event, these ladies don’t wait around.

“It keeps me motivated. I definitely need to get rest, but I look bouncy and smooth. 100 per cent [the goal is medals], why not?”

It was then the turn of two more Americans to make a statement. McKenzie Long and Brittany Brown are the second and fourth fastest female sprinters respectively this year, and will be looking to challenge for gold – never mind just the podium places.

Up first, Long eased to victory in the fourth heat with a 22.55, before Brown responded in kind when winning the fifth heat in 22.38.

Team GB’s Asher-Smith, the 2019 world champion, then started her campaign for a first individual Olympic medal in the sixth and final heat.

Asher-Smith slowed down to coast across the line in 22.28, with Nigeria’s Ofili putting in a season’s best 22.24 to pip the Briton.

“[I’m] taking it one race at the same,” Ofili told Olympics.com. “Make sure you win your heat and that’s it. Having people cheer for you also makes you want to be better.”

Overall, just 0.5 seconds separated the top 10, with Thomas going quickest ahead of Ofili and Asher-Smith.