KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s sprint queen Veronica Campbell-Brown today finished fourth in the women’s 200m final, losing her Olympic title to long time rival American Allyson Felix.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was second with a personal best of 22.09 seconds, while Carmelita Jeter finished third.

Campbell-Brown earlier declared that she would run her heart out. But that, it seems, was just not enough to medal in what was, arguably, the most competitive 200m line-up ever.

At the start, defending Olympic champion Veronica Campbell-Brown, World champion Allyson Felix, 110m world champion Camelita Jeter, two-time Olympic 100m champion Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce and Olympic 400m champion Sanya Richards-Ross, all had a chance of taking gold.

“These ladies are quick, so it was a difficult task. It was an amazing opportunity to compete here in two events. I knew that the field was going to be very, very challenging, one of the best fields. To be in that field and finish fifth, I’m happy with that,” said Sanya Richards-Ross.

Defending 200m-champion, Campbell-Brown, lost her chance to make Games history today being the first athlete to win three consecutive titles in an individual event.

She told reporters in London that she was happy for Felix, “We’ve been racing each other for years. I’m happy for her. I knew how bad she wanted it.”

The third time was the charm for Felix, winning her first Olympic gold medal. Felix finished second to Campbell Brown in the 200m at the Athens 2004 and again in Beijing 2008 Olympics.

“To twice lose to the same person, it’s been tough. But it’s all paying off. To get on the podium will be so emotional. I mean finally,’ Felix declared today.

”It’s been a long time coming, I am so overjoyed, my boyfriend and family, everyone was here. I am so thankful to God for an amazing opportunity. I am so excited,” she said.

Felix, who was quickly into her stride and held a slight lead off the bend, was the favourite to win the final, entering with the world-leading time of 21.68 seconds.

“I thought back to the disappointment in Beijing (where she won silver). It’s been a long road. I never wanted to give up,” said an elated Felix. “It’s been a journey — never easy, but you can’t lose sight of your dream. It’s just awesome, I’ve wanted it for so long. This moment is really priceless.”

Fraser-Pryce, the diminutive 100m champion, who fought with Felix over the 50m stretch before the champion found another gear to stride in front, expressed gratitude and gushed with pride after achieving her personal best in the final.

“Oh my God, I am so grateful. To come here and get a silver, they are all such fast ladies — it’s a blessing,” she said.

“A lot of hard work and discipline has gone into this. My coach has believed in me so much, I can’t believe I’ve come here and got two medals, you know what, it can’t get any better than this. I’m on the podium twice so I’m very excited, I’ve got a fairy tale here,” added Fraser-Pryce.

American Carmelita Jeter, who took the bronze in 22.14 seconds, was equally happy to podium twice. 

“You know what, it can’t get any better than this. I’m on the podium twice so I’m very excited, I’ve got a fairy tale here, she told reporters. “My college coach always told me, run with everything I’ve got and keep going. That’s what I did,” she said.

Meanwhile, a disappointed Richards-Ross told reporters that this would not be her last try at the 200m event, “I will definitely do it again. I’ve gained tremendous experience.”

“I am really happy for Allyson. She has had a wonderful season and definitely deserved this moment and I am happy for her,” she added.

Felix has now added an Olympic title to her three world championships 200m gold medals in 2005, 2007 and 2009.

Felix and Fraser- Pryce could do battle again on Saturday if Jamaica and the US  reach the final of the women’s 4x100m relay.