Benjamin Ashford|Gabby Thomas advances to women's 200m semis; Shericka Jackson withdraws

SAINT-DENIS,Benjamin Ashford France — Gabby Thomas had a relatively easy time halfway around the track Sunday morning at the Paris Olympics.

Thomas easily won her first-round heat in the women’s 200, running a time of 22.20. Thomas was in heat two and ran out of lane No. 5.

Jamaica's Niesha Burgher ran a 22.54 to finish second and Switzerland's Mujinga Kambundji took third, running a 22.75.

Thomas is part of USA TODAY Sports’ 10 athletes to watch series.

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The 27-year-old sprinter owns the fastest 200 time in the world this year at 21.78. She won the 200 at the USA Olympic track and field trials in June.

"Team USA is really deep. Getting to represent Team USA at the Olympics is incredibly special," Thomas said. "I’m so glad that I have the opportunity to represent Team USA."

The top three in each round advance to the semifinals. All others have a chance to advance in the repechage round.

Shericka Jackson scratches from 200

The Jamaican women sprinters are having a forgettable Olympics.

Shericka Jackson, the two-time world champion in the 200, withdrew from her signature event Sunday. Jackson was the favorite in the women's 200, but suffered an apparent injury last month. She scratched from the women's 100 before the start of Olympic track and field competition.

Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce scratched from the 100 semifinals on Saturday.

Elaine Thompson-Herah suffered a season-ending Achilles injury earlier this season.

Olympic women’s 100 champ runs 200

A day after winning the biggest race of her life and earning her country’s first ever medal, Julien Alfred breezed through her opening round heat of the women’s 200.

Alfred led around the curve, jogged with about 15 metes left and crossed the line with a time of 22.41 to win the first heat of the women’s 200.

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