Dafne Schippers ran her first game since August at the FBK Games on Monday. The two-time world champion in the 200 meters did not go further than the fifth time in the 100 meters in Hengelo. Nadine Visser finished sixth in her first game of the outdoor season in the 100 meters hurdles.
The 29-year-old Schippers ran 11.40 and by that time had a supporting role in the Fanny Blankers-Koen Stadium. The win on the king’s number went to the British Daryll Neita, who scored 11.19.
For Schippers it was her first competition since the Olympic Games in August. The Utrecht grip in Tokyo on both the 200 and the 4×100 meter relay in addition to the medals.
Since then, Schippers trained in the shadows for a number of months and broke up with her coach Bart Bennema. Schippers, who despite a double hernia still hopes for success in the future, is now training under Wigert Thunnissen.
In addition to Schippers, there were also supporting roles for N’Ketia Seedo (11.48) and Marije van Hunenstijn (11.56) in the 100 meters in Hengelo. Jamile Samuel was also on the start list, but the Dutchman was disqualified for a false start.
Nadine Visser ran her first game of the outdoor season in Hengelo.
Nadine Visser ran her first game of the outdoor season in Hengelo. Photo: AP
Visser back after rehabilitation period
The 27-year-old Visser ran on a track that was very wet due to the rain to a time of 12.95. Maayke Tjin A-Lim (13.17) and Zoë Sedney (13.40) set the eighth and ninth time in the part that was won by Brittany Anderson. The Jamaican scored 12.51 and left world champion Nia Ali behind.
With her time, Visser remained above the limit of 12.84 for the World Cup later this summer in Eugene, America. The hurdler sustained a tear in her hamstring during the Dutch National Championships indoor in February and has since taken the time to properly rehabilitate.
“It was my first race and that always takes some getting used to,” said Visser shortly after her race, in which it still looked a bit rough. “I am happy that my injury is over and I can walk freely again. This is fine for a season opening.”
With her participation in the FBK Games, Visser has taken a first step towards the most important tournaments of this year: the World Cup in July and the European Championship in August.