SAINT-DENIS, France — Gabby Thomas had a relatively easy time halfway around the track Sunday morning at the Paris Olympics.
Thomas easily won her first-round heat in the women’s 200, running a time of 22.20. Thomas was in heat two and ran out of lane No. 5.
Jamaica’s Niesha Burgher ran a 22.54 to finish second and Switzerland’s Mujinga Kambundji took third, running a 22.75.
Thomas is part of USA TODAY Sports’ 10 athletes to watch series.
➤ Get Olympics updates in your texts! Join USA TODAY Sports’ WhatsApp Channel
2024 Olympic medals: Who is leading the medal count? Follow along as we track the medals for every sport.
The 27-year-old sprinter owns the fastest 200 time in the world this year at 21.78. She won the 200 at the USA Olympic track and field trials in June.
“Team USA is really deep. Getting to represent Team USA at the Olympics is incredibly special,” Thomas said. “I’m so glad that I have the opportunity to represent Team USA.”
The top three in each round advance to the semifinals. All others have a chance to advance in the repechage round.
Shericka Jackson scratches from 200
The Jamaican women sprinters are having a forgettable Olympics.
Shericka Jackson, the two-time world champion in the 200, withdrew from her signature event Sunday. Jackson was the favorite in the women’s 200, but suffered an apparent injury last month. She scratched from the women’s 100 before the start of Olympic track and field competition.
Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce scratched from…
