How would the rivalry between Alexandra Zalyubovskaya and Victoria An play out? And could Kristina Kondrashova crash their duel? These were the main questions ahead of the women’s 200m final on Day Two of the Kazakhstan Athletics Championships.
The preliminary heats and final of the women’s 200m were held on July 11 at the Olympic Training Centre stadium in Almaty Region.
In the heats, 22-year-old Alexandra Zalyubovskaya from Pavlodar Region led the pack, clocking an impressive 23.87 seconds – dipping under the 24-second mark. The second-best time belonged to multiple-time Asian champion Victoria An, who finished in 24.14. At 32, An is competing in her first season back after a four-year hiatus, now representing Astana. Kristina Kondrashova, 25, also from Astana, posted the third-fastest time – 24.28. But heats can often be deceiving – top athletes tend to hold back before the final.
The final, held later that evening, was impacted by worsening weather conditions. While times suffered slightly, the intensity of the fight for gold between Zalyubovskaya and An did not. It was clear both sprinters were all in, pushing themselves to the absolute limit in a battle for the title.
Zalyubovskaya held her nerve and showed grit under pressure, crossing the line first in 24.43 seconds. Victoria An was a mere five hundredths of a second behind – 24.48 – barely perceptible to the eye. A truly fierce duel!
Kristina Kondrashova completed the podium, earning bronze in 24.87.
July 11 – Kazakhstan Athletics Championships. Women’s 200m
- Alexandra Zalyubovskaya (Pavlodar Region) – 24.43
- Victoria An (Astana) – 24.48
- Kristina Kondrashova (Astana) – 24.87
In the photo: At the Kazakhstan Championships, Alexandra Zalyubovskaya claimed victory in both the 200m and 400m events. Photo by Konstantin Knyazevich.
