Jamaica's Veronica Campbell-Brown (right) being pressed to the line by the US's Allyson Felix at the Icahn Stadium, New York, yesterday. At left is Kelly-Ann Baptiste (4th) of Trinidad & Tobago.         Caribbean TrackLife-- D. Palmer photo

Olympic and World Championships 200m arch-rivals Veronica Campbell-Brown (Jam) and Allyson Felix (USA) clashed once again yesterday at the Adidas Grand Prix in New York, the latest meet in the Diamond League series. It was their first 200m meeting in the US and Campbell-Brown had the better of Felix with a world-leading time and meet record of 21.98 secs.

Campbell-Brown, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, got off to a flying start that put her ahead of Felix, the three-time Worlds champion, when they entered the straight for home. Known for her long strides, as well as her speed and strength, Felix closed the gap but could not catch her rival and had to settle for second in 22.02.  The race was reminiscent of the 200m final at the 2008 Beijing Olympics when Campbell-Brown beat Felix off the turn and could not be caught. In 2009, however, Felix turned the tables by striking gold ahead of Campbell-Brown at the Berlin World Championships.

Jamaica's Yohan Blake (2nd right) celebrates as he's being outleaned by Trinidad's Richard Thompson (2nd left). At left is Daniel Bailey of Antigua while Churandy Martina of the Netherland Antilles comes in 7th at right.                                                                            Caribbean TrackLife--D. Palmer photo

“I had a good race,” Campbell-Brown said. “I know Felix finishes strong, so I had to get out hard…I’m satisfied my time was under 22.”
 
Campbell-Brown’s 200m time was the fastest on U.S. soil in 10 years.

Thompson, who had a good start, was caught by Blake but outleaned him at the tape to take the race. “I’m not worried about wind-aided at this time…,” he commented. “The important thing is that I got the win…and picked up 6 points in the Diamond League.