Andre De Grasse wins 200m to claim his first Diamond League Trophy

ATHLETICS Andre De Grasse wins 200m to claim his first Diamond League Trophy

Joel Omotto 00:58 - 18.09.2023

The Canadian runner commanded the race from the start to claim the Prefontaine Classic honours in Eugene

Olympic champion Andre De Grasse claimed the 200m Diamond League Trophy after a dominant run to shrug off stiff opposition from American Kenny Bednarek.

De Grasse, who won Olympic gold two years ago, was sixth (20.43) in last year's season-ending race after battling COVID-19 and a toe injury.

The 28-year-old Markham, Ontario, sprinter was second in the sprint double at the 2021 final. He, however, got his win this time after showing class to leave his rivals struggling to catch up.

He clocked 19.76 for the win while Bednarek finished second in 19.95 as Erriyon Knighton also from the US completed the podium in 19.97.

With world 200m champion Noah Lyles and sliver medallist Lestlie Tebogo not in the race, the event lacked the star power but those present still ensured it was lively.