Dacres: I had 70m in me

Fedrick Dacres produced a fine discus series, which included two season-best performances, but could not overthrow world leader Daniel Stahl in front of his home crowd, while double Olympic champion Elaine Thompson continues to find her form at the Stolkholm Diamond League in Sweden yesterday.

Dacres registered 68.96m and 68.81m on his second and third attempts on a cold evening but could not better Stahl’s 69.57m on the day.

The former Calabar High School standout was disappointed that he did not throw farther, as according to him, he broke the 70-metre mark during the warm-ups, but that did not stop him from flashing a smile at the end of the competition.

“I have such a big smile on my face. It was an absolutely great competition,” he said. “I had 70m in me at the warm-up but then in competition it was only 68.96m. But I felt well and I know I can progress more.”

Tentative Start

Thompson ran back after a tentative start to finish second in the women’s 200m in 22.66 seconds. The race was won by reigning European champion Dina Asher-Smith in a world leading time of 22.18 seconds. Daphne Schippers grabbed the third place spot in 22.78.

“I was really cold but I tried. I came here to compete and that’s what I did,” she said after the race. “Now I am heading back home to prepare for the World Championships. Dina is a great athlete. She has been doing well from last season and to come out here and win is really great for her.”

After a modest first lap, national record holder Natoya Goule faded badly in the home straight away in the women’s 800m to finish eighth in 2:03.89.

American Ajee Wilson registered 2:00.87 to win the race as Alemu Habitam’s 2:01.26 and Jepkosgei Nelly’s 2:01.98 finished second and third, respectively.

Jumping sensation Tajay Gayle was also far from his best, as he could only manage 8.05m for fifth in the men’s Long Jump.

Sweden’s Thobias Montler produced a life time best of 8.22m to win the event ahead of Cuban star jumper Juan Echevarria who leaped to 8.12m.