Georgia Hulls Exits The World Championship 200m

Georgia Hulls, the only New Zealander in action on day four of the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, was eliminated from the heats of the women’s 200m, placing sixth in a time of 23.46.

The 22-year-old Hawke’s Bay-raised and Auckland-based athlete was making her World Championship debut and competed in a loaded heat, which included sub-22 second athletes - Favour Ofili of Nigeria and American Jenna Prandini.

Georgia, the second fastest female 200m runner in New Zealand history, made a solid start and entered the home straight in the fight for a potential automatic qualification. On the outside lane Bahamian Anthonique Strachan pulled up injured when running in third to open up a potential top three position.

However, the 23.17 half-lap runner slightly faltered in the latter stages to wind up sixth behind Ofili, who banked the first of three automatic qualification spots in 22.24. Prandini, the Olympic 4x100m silver medallist, grabbed second in 22.38 with Australian Jacinta Beecher in third in 23.22.

Georgia said: “Regardless of the time and result, I did everything I could, and I am happy with that. I’m so proud of myself and very excited for next year. That is the best 120m I’ve ever ran, and there is so much more to come. I’m not disappointed, I’m proud.”

On slightly losing her balance down the home straight: “It’s a feeling I’ve felt at the end of 300 metres and 400 metres before. But honestly, it’s been a long season and my legs just couldn’t keep pushing.

“Oregon22 was my first World Championship experience, and I will always be grateful for that. My biggest reflection is that ‘today is the end of my season, not the end of my career’.”

Results here

The Kiwis in action on Day Five – Wednesday 20 July

12.23 – Portia Bing – Women’s 400m hurdles – First Round Heat 2

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