Wind beats Jobodwana

30 March 2015 - 02:01 By David Isaacson

Anaso Jobodwana flew on a strong tail wind to record the fastest-ever 200m by a South African as he won at the Texas Relays on Saturday. Jobodwana's 19.87sec won't be recognised because of the gale-like wind that clocked +4.5m per second in Austin, meaning Morné Nagel's 20.11 national mark is safe - for now.But Jobodwana, who twice ran 20.13 in 2013 before injury ended his season last year, can legitimately claim to have run the fastest wind-assisted time.The previous mark of 20.09, clocked in Albuquerque in 1989, belonged to Frankie Fredericks.Even with the wind, Jobodwana was still considerably quicker than his nearest rival, 2012 Olympian Kei Takase of Japan in 20.09.And Jobodwana was chuffed, tweeting a picture of himself having just won and pointing with his left hand."I hardly celebrate after a race but I was too happy," he explained."First 200m race since August 2013 after an injury. I was just happy to be there doing what I love again," added Jobodwana, who made the 200m final at both the London Olympics and 2013 world championships, finishing eighth and then sixth.The highest SA sprinter on the 200m world list for 2015 is Pretoria-based Akani Simbine, after his 20.27 personal best.But Jobodwana, 22, will be the favourite when the pair do battle at the SA Championships in Stellenbosch next month...

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