NCAA 400m Champion, Wadeline Jonathas ran a very good race in the 3rd heat of the women’s 400m, qualifying fastest for the semifinals in 50.57s ahead of Olympic bronze medallist, Shericka Jackson of Jamaica who placed 2nd in 51.13s.
The race was very fast, with Australia’s Bendere Oboya racing to a new Personal Best (PB) of 51.21s, with other athletes also qualifying from the race.
African Games champion, Galefele Moroko ran an inspired race, charging through from behind over the final 150m as she usurped Stephanie Ann-McPherson’s lead on the field to eventually take the win in a big PB of 50.59s. The Jamaican settled for 2nd place in 51.21s and Nigeria’s Favour Ofili, running a PB of 51.51s to finish 3rd.
Defending World Champion, Phyllis Francis controlled her race nicely for a win, winning heat 1 by a huge margin to cross in 50.77s. Sada Williams was second in that race in 52.14s while Lada Vondrova also went through in 52.23s.
Salwa Eid-Naser had a tight clutch over the field in her heat, passing the final curve and then slowing down to jog and win in 50.74s, ahead of Poland’s Justyna Swiety-Ersetic of Poland who clocked 51.34s.
In very similar fashion, Shaunae Miller-Uibo jogged her race and then practically walked over the line, winning heat 5 in 51.30s as Deborah Sananes came home in 2nd with a time of 51.76s.
Shakima Wimbley who was momentarily disqualified for a lane infringement, later got reinstated after an appeal. The USA athlete won heat 3, going out hard and then coming off the curve alongside Laviai Nielsen of Great Britain.
Polish athlete, Iga Baumgart-Witan came charging right through but was held off by the American who came out on top in 51.17s as Baumgart-Witan placed 2nd in 51.34s, Laviai Nielsen was 3rd in 51.52s.
