Athletics: Felix opens bid for world double

DAEGU: US sprinter Allyson Felix opens her campaign for a tough world 200-400-metre double when she takes to the track in the one-lap event today. Felix, the three-time defending world 200-metre champion, has taken on what she herself has dubbed the ‘gruelling challenge’ of attempting to snag two golds in what would be a major coup. The 25-year-old told reporters, “It’s going to be pretty gruelling, but I’m excited about it.” But Felix acknowledged that the 400-metre would be the hardest event, notably up against compatriot Sanya Richards-Ross. The Jamaican trio of Rosemarie Whyte, Novlene Williams-Mills and 2009 Berlin worlds silver medallist Shericka Williams will also be in the running for the podium along with Botswana’s Amantle Montsho.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 27^th, 2011.