Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred, who clinched victory in the women’s 100m, is targeting a sprint double at the Olympics as she prepares for the 200m final. Alfred, the first athlete from Saint Lucia to win an Olympic medal, is aiming to replicate Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah’s 100m-200m success from the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Games.
Alfred won her semi-final in 21.98 seconds but was narrowly edged out by US sprinter Gabrielle Thomas, who posted a world-leading time of 21.78 seconds. With Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson withdrawing from the event, Thomas is a strong contender for gold.
In a highly anticipated 1500m final at the Stade de France, Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Britain’s Josh Kerr will face off. Kerr finished second to Ingebrigtsen in the semi-final and has been vocal about the rivalry following his win over the Norwegian at last year’s world championships. Kerr aims to silence his critics with a strong performance, calling the final one of the toughest ever.
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who is embroiled in a gender controversy, will compete in the semi-finals of the 66kg division. Despite previous disqualifications, Khelif is guaranteed at least a bronze medal, with the IOC overseeing the boxing events due to issues with the International Boxing Association.
In women’s football, World Cup champions Spain and the United States are set for a potential clash in Saturday’s final. Spain, led by Aitana Bonmati, will face Brazil, while the USA, coached by Emma Hayes, will meet Germany.
In track cycling, Britain secured the first gold in the women’s team sprint and is eyeing more success in the men’s event. Meanwhile, China’s divers are targeting a fifth gold in the women’s 10m platform, continuing their dominance in the sport.
China leads the medal tally with 21 golds, just ahead of the United States.
