Just as he did in the heats the day before, defending champion Kirani James advanced to the men’s 400m final of the Rio Olympics with the overall fastest time, clocking a Season’s Best (SB) of 44.02s to win Heat 1 of the semis on Saturday.
The Grenadian looked in good form to defend his title, holding off Beijing 2015 Silver medallist LaShawn Merritt who came in 2nd in 44.21s, while Botswana youngster Karabo Sibanda ran the race of his life to give a good account of himself, racing to a Personal Best (PB) of 44.47s to snatch one of the fastest losers spot.
Reigning World Champion Wayde Van Niekerk had a smooth race, dominating the race for the better part before losing his lead to Trinidad and Tobago’s Machel Cedenio, after confirming that he would at least finish in the Top 2. Cedenio returned a time of 44.39s as the South African followed 44.45s.
World Indoor Champion Pavel Maslák came in 3rd with an SB of 45.06s but missed out as one of the fastest losers, as the second spot went to Bahrain’s Ali Khamis Khamis who placed 3rd in Heat 3 with a National Record of 44.49s.
For the first time in Olympic history, there will be two Grenadians in the final of the men’s 400m as 22-year old Bralon Taplin secured his spot after winning Heat 3 in 44.44s, with Great Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith coming in 2nd in a PB of 44.48s.
Former African Champion Isaac Makwala finished 8th in the race with 46.60s, while teammate Baboloki Thebe Did Not Start (DNS).
