Shericka Jackson pulled out of the women’s 200m at Paris 2024 just moments before the heats got under way as Gabrielle Thomas and Julien Alfred safely made the semi-finals.

Two-time reigning 200m world champion Jackson was one of the favourites to win gold in Paris, and withdrew from the 100m to focus on the event.

Jackson, who was nursing a hamstring issue going into the Olympics, had said she was in “great shape” for the 200m, but the Jamaican’s absence now opens the door for other sprint stars.

Thomas is the fastest woman over 200m this year, while Alfred is out to add to the 100m title she won on Saturday night.

Both stars comfortably won their 200m heats on Sunday morning - Thomas going fastest overall (22.20) - with Dina Asher-Smith and Favour Ofili also impressing at the Stade de France.

The repechage round takes place during the day on Monday (5 August) before the semi-finals are held later that evening. The women's 200m final is then 20:40 local time on Tuesday (6 August).