200m no longer a stepchild - Felix

American 200m icon Allyson Felix has said that she is pleased with the depth of talent currently being showcased in the event, in recent times.

Speaking at the official press conference ahead of tonight's JN Racers Grand Prix at the National Stadium, Felix said the key athletes currently competing in the distance, such as current Olympic champion Elaine Thompson, current World Champion Dafne Schippers, Shaunae Miller-Uibo, and countrywoman Tori Bowie, along with Jenna Prandini are helping to rebuild interest in the discipline.

"I think it's really exciting what's going on right now," she said. "It's sort of looked down on as a stepchild, so it's nice to see it being more of a focus, a lot of young talent there, it's exciting. As the year continues, it will only get better, it's a lot of fun when everyone steps up.

BETTER FEMALE PERFORMANCE

Men's 200m world record holder Usain Bolt agreed with Felix and praised female athletes, saying they have been doing better than their male counterparts in recent times.

"I like how she says 'the stepchild', that's so true," Bolt joked. "Everyone looks at the 200 like that, but I want to say, the girls have really stepped up for the past couple of seasons. They've really been running fast and doing great. They really outshined the guys of the sport so I want to say well done."

Felix has won three gold medals over the distance at the IAAF World Championships, and her Olympic gold medal in the race came at the London Games in 2012. Tonight, however, Felix will be competing in the 400m event against Jamaica's Shericka Jackson, Tiffany James, Christine Day, Verone Chambers and Anneisha McLaughlin-Whilby. The USA's Courtney Okolo and Margaret Bamoose of Nigeria are also expected in the race.

The women's 200m sprint is expected to feature Jamaica's Jura Levy up against Americans Jenna Prandini and Kimberly Duncan, among others.