Jamaican 400m hurdlers make progress on day 2 of the World Athletics U20 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya.
In the women’s event, Gabriel White topped heat 2 in 58.65, and Moseiha Bridgen finished second in heat 3, running 58.88, to book their spots in the final.
Heidi Salminen of Finland leads the field into the final with a personal-best 58.12. Canadian Savannah Sutherland is the second fastest with 58.45.
On the men’s side, Roshawn Clarke recorded the second-fastest opening round time of 50.93, a personal best effort.
Clarke commented: “It was a good race because I felt comfortable throughout. My goal is to make it to the finals, and I promise to win a medal.”
Clarke’s teammate, Devontie Archer, also won his heat (4) in 52.17. Both are into the semi-finals of the one-lap obstacle event.
Archer commented: “I’m feeling splendid. My strategy in this race was to run from the front so that I don’t use a lot of energy because we have a semi-final and final. I like the climate here, and if it remains like this, I will make it to the finals.”
Chevonne Hall qualified for the semi-finals of the men’s 800m. He ran 1:49.47 to finish third in heat two and secured an automatic spot in the next round.
Kenyan pair of Emmanuel Wanyonyi, 1:46.51 and Noah Kibet, 1:46.70 are the fastest from the first round.
