"I expected a better performance"- Christian Coleman reflects on second place finish at Shanghai Diamond League 2024

Three-time World Championships gold medalist Christian Coleman recently reflected upon his performance at the Shanghai Diamond League 2024 on April 27, Saturday.

Coleman, 28, was gearing up for his second consecutive win at the Diamond League meet after his heroics in Xiamen last week. However, his dream was halted by the 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medalist Akani Simbine. Simbine scripted a surprising win at the 100m meet event, registering a run time of 10.01 seconds.

Even though Coleman started the race superbly leading Simbine for the first position, the South African athlete returned strongly to race past Coleman and his rival Fred Kerley.

However, Christian Coleman did take some positives from the Shanghai meet as his 10.04 second run time was his best till now in this season. Kerley had to settle for the third position after finishing second in Xiamen registering a run time of 10.11 seconds.

After his performance at the Shanghai Diamond League 2024, the Gerogian native elaborated on his preparation for the upcoming Paris Olympics. In a press interview, Coleman stated:

"I expected a better performance but I am fine with today's result and I achieved a season's best today. I am prepared for the Olympics Games. I'm going to keep training and improving in the upcoming months. I really enjoy my experience of this trip in China. I am looking forward to be return next year and compete again with these excellent athletes."

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Christian Coleman opens up about the 2024 Paris Olympics

Christian Coleman

With the prowess Christian Coleman has shown over the years, he will be one of the top athletes to watch out for in the track and field events of the much anticipated Paris Olympics. Along with definite competitors Noah Lyles and Fred Kerley, Coleman will be the one upon whom the fans will have high expectations.

Moreover on a personal level too, the 2024 edition of the Olympics will be a crucial one for the 28-year-old, especially after his absence at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to an 18-month ban for missing drug tests.

The Georgian native recently opened up about his brewing excitement for Paris 2024. He stated in a statement:

"I feel like it is a special year, 2024 just to have that opportunity out there on the horizon knowing that this Olympics is going to be like the biggest ever. It’s pretty cliche, I guess it continues like this every single time but I feel like this will be extra special just because last time there were no fans, there was covid and everything."

Coleman also touched upon France as a host country and the sporting culture it portrays on a global level.