FAST RUNNING BY THOMPSON

ELAINE THOMPSON, GENZEBE DIBABA AND AYANLEH SOULEIMAN IN FORM AS DIAMOND LEAGUE HITS SWITZERLAND

PICTURES: JP DURAND

Genzebe Dibaba (centre): poised to strike in 3000m

DOUBLE Olympic sprints champion Elaine Thompson won the 100m in a swift 10.78 at the Athletissima meeting in Lausanne last week.

The sprinters endured a faulty start where most competitors did not hear the recall gun and ended up completing the whole distance but, once they got under way for the second time, the Jamaican ran out a convincing winner, as GB’s Desiree Henry finished fourth in 11.17.

“To be able to produce 10.79 on the second attempt after the initial mix-up, it’s a great time and I’m looking forward to the remainder of the season,” said Thompson. “I’m the same person I was before the Olympic Games and the reality of being double Olympic champion has not really sunk in. I’m looking forward to going back to Jamaica to celebrate with my people and my family, but first I will run a few more races in Europe.”

Genzebe Dibaba was back to winning ways in the women’s 3000m as the Ethiopian unleashed a 57.47 final 400m to beat Olympic 5000m silver medallist Hellen Obiri. Dibaba, the world 1500m record-holder, was beaten in the metric mile in Rio but here clocked a meeting record of 8:31.84.

Dibaba said: “My race was very good and I am happy with the victory here as I was injured earlier this year. This race and my kick in the last 400m in particular gives me confidence for the end of the season and I will go to Brussels for my next competition and I want to win there as well.”