Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, the newly crowned champion of the women’s 100m, showcased her remarkable talent during the qualifying round of the 200m semi-finals at the World Athletics Championships held in Tokyo on September 17, 2025. She dominated her heat with a time of 22.24 seconds, making her the second fastest competitor of the day in humid conditions, as she advances to the semi-finals scheduled for Friday at the National Stadium.
Following closely behind Jefferson-Wooden was defending champion Shericka Jackson, who qualified with a time of 22.33 seconds. Anavia Battle, another American sprinter, secured the top qualifying time of 22.07 seconds. Notably, former world champion Dina Asher-Smith from Great Britain finished fifth overall with a time of 22.40 seconds.
The qualification format allowed the top three finishers from each of the six heats, along with the six fastest times, to earn a spot in the next round. The competition, however, saw the withdrawal of several key athletes. Paris 2024 gold medalist Gabby Thomas opted out prior to the event due to an Achilles injury. Additionally, Julien Alfred, the Olympic 100m champion and 200m silver medalist, strained her hamstring during the 100m final on Sunday and subsequently did not compete in the 200m. Alfred currently holds the world-leading time for this year at 21.71 seconds.
