Tokyo Olympics: Namibia’s Christine Mboma claims silver in women’s 200m final

Namibia’s Christine Mboma has claimed an historic silver medal in the 200m final on day 11 at the Tokyo Olympics.

Mboma became the first Namibian woman ever to win an Olympic medal, just weeks after being informed she could not compete in her preferred 400m due to high levels of testosterone.

The 18-year-old also broke the world under-20 record for the third time in Tokyo as she ran 21.81s in the final.

Mboma finished behind Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah – who retained her title, after she completed a sprint double in Tokyo and ran the second fastest time in history.

She also became only the second Namibian athlete ever to win an Olympic medal after Frankie Fredericks, who won four silver medals during his career.

Her compatriot Beatrice Masilingi, who is also 18, set another new personal best as she finished sixth just behind Ivory Coast’s Marie-Josee Ta Lou in fifth.

“This is my first Olympics. I came here for the experience but I did better (than I expected). I am really happy with my performance. I am proud of myself,” Mboma said after her victory.

“In the past, every time I ran against the best athletes I felt nervous. But I don’t feel nervous now. When I reached the race I lost my nerves and started pushing. I never give up.

“I just focused on the 200m. I just wanted to keep my head down and focus on that. Now I have got a medal. I am happy.”

Both Namibian athletes dropped down from their preferred 400m event after they were informed in July by World Athletics that their testosterone levels were beyond the allowed limit for female athletes to compete over that distance, unless they medically lower their testosterone for a period of at least six months.

BBC