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Jamaican Jackson withdrew from the 100m to focus on the 200m, in which she is the two-time reigning world champion, but did not line up on Sunday morning.<\/p>\n
Jackson’s withdrawal from the competition means American Gabrielle Thomas, the fastest woman in the 200m this year, is the gold-medal favourite in the event.<\/p>\n
Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Thomas, 27, took world silver behind Jackson last year and began her campaign in Paris by setting the fastest time of round one in 22.20.<\/p>\n
Less than 14 hours after celebrating a historic gold, Alfred, St Lucia’s first Olympic medallist, returned for the opening 200m heat and took another victory in 22.41.<\/p>\n
Just as Jamaican sprint icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s withdrawal on Saturday left the race for the 100m medals wide open, so to has Jackson’s decision not to participate in the 200m.<\/p>\n
Reigning champion Elaine Thompson-Herah, of Jamaica, had been ruled out of defending her two sprint titles in Paris because of an Achilles tendon injury.<\/p>\n
After her near-miss in the 100m in pursuit of a first individual global medal, Neita refocused to make a confident start to her 200m bid as she cruised to victory.<\/p>\n
“It feels like I went to sleep here [at the track] last night. It has been a quick turnaround,” Neita told BBC Sport.<\/p>\n
“Fourth was so bittersweet. I’ve had a little sleep on it and honestly I’m really proud of myself. It gives me so much confidence and a lot of motivation going into tomorrow.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n