"I wasn't able to start training right after the Olympics because I'd hurt my back before the Games. Yet, she is sure of hitting her peak next month. And the World Championships cut off is 11.15s, while Dutee's personal best is 11.17s. She won the 100m gold here at the Khelo India University Games in 11.63s, which is far from the qualification marks she has to achieve this year - Asian Games (11.36s), Commonwealth Games (11.31s), World University Games (11.44s) and World Championships (11.15s).įor context, she clocked 11.32s to win silver at the 2018 Asian Games, which is just within the qualifying standard of 11:36s set for the upcoming 2022 edition. I've already participated in five events this year to make the cut for these international events."ĭutee's got a far way to go, though - her best this year came at the national inter-university championships in February when she ran 100m in 11.44s. She adds, "There are four international events this year with the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World University Games and World Championships lined up. " Aur 2-3 saal body chalega toh chalaenge (I'll pull along for 2-3 more years if my body co-operates)." While she has dominated the domestic sprinting scene over the last decade, she feels " abhi umar ho rahi hai, body itni tez nahi hai (I'm growing old, I'm not as fast as I used to be)." She's given herself two more years, until the Paris Olympics. "My coach said you're anyway there and it's a direct final (no heats), so give it a shot."ĭutee has been India's fastest female runner since she broke onto the scene in 2012 and remains among the nation's most successful female sprinters.
"I never intended to run the 200m," says Dutee with a shrug. She had finished second in the 200m race earlier in the morning at the Khelo India University Games, where she was edged out by promising youngster Priya Mohan. The ever-present spring in her step is evident as I meet her at a restaurant in Bengaluru, but she confesses she's just woken up from a nap. With the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games cut-offs set just below her personal best, the two-time Olympian will need to rapidly shift gears before she hangs up her boots after the 2024 Paris Olympics. But this year, she has to run faster than she ever has.
You have reached a degraded version of because you're using an unsupported version of Internet Explorer.įor a complete experience, please upgrade or use a supported browserĭutee Chand aims to defy age in bid to go faster, higher, strongerĭutee Chand is fast.