clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Deajah Stevens Finishes Seventh In Olympic 200 Final

Jamaican Elaine Thompson completes 100-200 double victory.

By Matt Sexton
James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

Deajah Stevens competed in the women's Olympic 200 final earlier tonight against the world's best. Unfortunately for her, she trailed out of lane 1 the whole race, but finished strong to overtake Bulgaria's Ivet Lalova-Collio for seventh place. Jamaica's Elaine Thompson staved off Dafne Schippers of the Netherlands to win in 21.78. Schippers (21.88) gained on Thompson in the last fifty meters, but Thompson had enough left to race to her second Olympic gold in Rio. Thompson had already won the Olympic 100 a few days ago, and has a chance to replicate fellow countryman Usain Bolt's trifecta at the last two Olympics with a 4x100 win.

Stevens' triumphant season comes to an end after finishing runner-up in the event at both the NCAA Championships and more surprisingly, the U.S. Olympic Trials. The Oregon Duck didn't miss a beat in Rio by winning her first round heat and then advancing on time behind only the gold and silver medalist in the semifinals. Stevens' run to the finals is all the more impressive considering she became the first active woman in Oregon track and field history to qualify for the Olympics. The 21-year-old has nothing to hang her head on, and like fellow 21-year-old and Oregon teammate Devon Allen, may be considering turning pro.

And she wasn't without support. Along with plenty of love of from the Oregon community, a viewing party was set up for friends and family in her hometown in upstate New York, and at a bar in Visalia, California. Visalia was the location of the junior college Stevens attended before transferring to the Ducks. In both occasions, they were more energized and proud of seeing Deajah make an Olympic final this early in her career, regardless of the result.

One thing is for sure, she'll be a major threat to competition regardless of her decision. Oregon sprinters have been shut out of medals thus far, but former Duck English Gardner still has a chance as part of the 4x100 relay.

More From Addicted To Quack