Published on : 02/08/2021 – 16:51
Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi, both 18, qualified for the 200-meter final at the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games on August 2. The Namibians created a sensation in the playoffs and semi-finals, with Mboma notably breaking the junior world record and the African distance record twice. These two athletes lined up a few weeks ago on 400 meters before being discarded by the International Athletics Federation because of their hyperandrogenism.
From our special correspondent in Tokyo,
« I am very happy to be here in Japan and this is my first time at the Olympics. “Naive look and thin voice, Christine Mboma does not know how to comment on her incredible performances, this August 2, 2021 in Tokyo, at the 200 meters of the Olympics. ” I’m very happy with my time and to have broken the junior world record, she stammers. I arrived there twice on the same day. It’s crazy for me … »
The 18-year-old Namibian has made a sensational debut at the highest level, in the heats and semi-finals of the half-lap. First by running in 22 seconds 11, in the morning. Then passing under the bar of 22 (21’97) in the evening. ” I didn’t feel any pressure, I was just focused on my races », She swears however, after having erased the African record of the Nigerian Blessing Okagbare (22.04).
First African woman to run the 200 meters in less than 22 seconds
Christine Mboma has already won the respect of the Ivorian Marie-Josée Ta Lou, vice-world champion 2017 and double African champion in this distance. ” She had a great time, enthused Ta Lou. This is the first time that an African has gone under 22 seconds. I’m happy for her and it motivates me for the future! »
Christine Mboma is not the only Namibian that Marie-Josée Ta Lou will have to face, this Tuesday August 3 in the final of the 200 meters. Beatrice Masilingi also clinched her place among the elite, running in 22.63 and then 22.40, beating her personal best twice. She is also at 18 and does not seem very comfortable with this new status yet.
Hyperandrogenic athletes
For Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi, being at this meeting of the 200 seems improbable. There are still a few days, the two young girls, unknown to the general public, lined up on 400 meters where they chained the performances. But in early July, the International Athletics Federation (World Athletics) dismissed them from the track for the 2021 Olympics.
In the process, the Namibian Olympic Committee indicated the reason for this decision: the two athletes are hyperandrogenic. That is to say, their body generates a testosterone level that is far above the average and that allowed by World Athletics for a woman. A rate, according to the instance, which would provide too much of an advantage over distances ranging from 400 meters per mile. World Athletics rules have thus prevented the South African Caster Semenya from defending her Olympic title in Tokyo over 800 meters or forced her Burundian rival Francine Niyonsaba into exile over 5,000 meters.
The two Namibians are the youngest finalists in a 200-meter Olympic Games since Allyson Felix at the 2004 Olympics. The American took the silver in Athens. Will Christine Mboma or Beatrice Masilingi do even better?
► Tokyo 2021: Calendar of events, results, medal table
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