Ofili speeds into Paris 2024 Olympics 200m semifinal as second fastest in new 22.24 personal season’s best

Denied the chance to run in the 100m by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, Favour Ofili picked up herself to run in the 200m and stormed into the semifinals as the second fastest, running a 22.24 personal season’s best.

Ofili was bettered only by pre-race favorite, Gabby Thomas of the USA who sped home in 22.20 while 100m champion, Julien Alfred, who is seeking to complete a historic sprint double, ran 22.41 to win her heat.

The Nigerian, 21, will now be running in her first ever semifinal after she and nine others were denied the chance to compete at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago due to the ineptitude of the AFN.

Four out of the five athletes who have broken 22 seconds this year are through to the semifinals including the world leader at 21.78, Thomas as well as the two other Americans, Mckenzie Long and Brittany Brown as well as Alfred who holds a personal season’s best of 21.86.