Felix, Lee and Hooker advance
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BEIJING -- The second round of the women’s 200 meters went according to form, with Americans Allyson Felix of Los Angeles, Muna Lee and Marshevet Hooker easily advancing Tuesday night. Felix was timed in 22.74 seconds, Hooker in 22.76 and Lee in 22.83.
Sherone Simpson of Jamaica, the co-silver medalist in the 100, had the fastest time, 22.60 seconds. Compatriot Veronica Campbell-Brown -- who couldn’t make her country’s team in the 100 at its national trials -- had the third-best time, 22.64.
The real revelation was Roqaya Al-Gassra of Bahrain, who won the second heat. She ran with her head and ears completely covered with a white cloth, her arms encased in a long-sleeve shirt and her legs covered up by sweat pants.
She certainly stood out in the crowd of sprinters wearing midriff-bearing singlets and bikini-like shorts.
She declined to speak to reporters, saying only, ‘I’m happy,’ as she walked away. Hooker at least, was impressed. ‘I think she was very happy,’ Hooker said. ‘That’s awesome.’
Lee, who finished fifth in the 100 after being thrown off by Torri Edwards’ uncalled false start, acknowledged that it took her awhile to recover physically and mentally. ‘I couldn’t sleep that night and I got a real bad migraine,’ she said. ‘Now, I just try to focus and block it out.’
-- Helene Elliott