Michael O'Hara in the boys' 200m at the IAAF World Youth Championships 2013 (© Getty Images)
Jamaica’s Michael O’Hara gained redemption for finishing outside of the 100m medals on Thursday (11) by scorching to a 20.63 World youth lead and a narrow victory.
In the process, the 16-year-old emulated six-time Olympic sprint champion and triple World record-holder Usain Bolt, with his idol having won this event in Sherbrooke, 2003 with a 20.40 clocking.
Flying to ninth on the all-time list, O’Hara – three days after finishing fourth in the 100m with 10.46 – has this year improved dramatically from 21.51 and today claimed Jamaica’s third 200m gold medal in the eight editions of this championship.
Meanwhile, in the silver medal position, Brazil’s Vitor Hugo Dos Santos recorded a 20.67 personal best, making up for having placed sixth in the 100m.
The 17-year-old has improved from 21.43 this season as his silverware in Donestk, Ukraine is Brazil’s first ever medal in this event in the 14-year history of this championship.
Cuba’s Reynier Mena took his second bronze medal of this championship, clocking 20.79 to snatch third.
The 16-year-old, who ran a 10.37 personal best in the 100m final, takes Cuba’s second medal in this event following Jorge Vacarel’s silver in Marrakech, 2005.
Great Britain’s Thomas Somers ran a 20.84 lifetime best for fourth place after already reducing his best to 21.05 in the semi-final stage, as Trinidad’s Jonathan Farinha finished fifth with 21.00 personal best.
