Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Fires Warning to Shericka Jackson With Scorching Run to Qualify for 200m Final

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden remains on course to seal a sprint double at the 2025 World Athletics Championships after qualifying for the final of the 200m on Thursday.

Jefferson-Wooden was untouchable in her semi-final heat in Tokyo as she strolled home in 22.00 seconds ahead of Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith, who timed 22.21 seconds for second place, while Ashanti Moore of Jamaica was third in 22.51.

The American, who won the 100m gold in Tokyo, remains a firm favourite to make it two titles as she is up against runners who have not been in great form like she has been.

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Jefferson-Wooden will face off with defending champion Shericka Jackson, who won the first semi-final in a slower time of 21.99 seconds, ahead of Britain’s Amy Hunt, who clocked a personal best 22.08 seconds and American Brittany Brown, the Olympics bronze medalist over the distance, who managed a time of 22.13 seconds.

Meanwhile, in the third semi-final, Africa’s fastest woman Marie Josee Ta Lou-Smith made it through to the final after finishing second in 22.17 after easing off at the line after commanding the race.

Ta Lou-Smith finished behind American Anavia Battle, who won the heat in 22.09, while another US sprinter McKenzie Long claimed third place in 22.48.

The final line-up favours Jefferson-Wooden somewhat given her great form as well as the absence of Olympics gold and silver medalists Gabby Thomas and Julien Alfred but Jackson, who has struggled this season, will be keen to retain her title.