Allyson Felix won the 200 meters at the 2009 IAAF World Championship in 22.02 seconds today. She ran a solid turn but won the race by pulling away down the stretch with a long graceful stride. You can tell a huge difference between today's race and last year's silver medal performance in Beijing. Last summer, she was clearly suffering from some sort of slightly hampering injury which caused a noticeable hitch in her stride. This year, she glided to the finish line with a big margin of victory punctuated only with a raised fist. I appreciate how she doesn't have to convulse or emote as others do but instead opts for just a dignified smile while congratulating others. Felix's achievement is even more significant as it is the first gold medal for the United States at this championship in a sprint race. Jamaica had dominated sprint races until finally, Allyson made things right again.
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