Salwa Eid-Naser ran a commanding race to easily win the first heat of the women’s 400m semifinals at the 2019 World Championships, posting a very fast 49.79s ahead of defending Phyllis Francis who finished 2nd behind her.
Francis tried to stay with Naser, but the latter had a big gap that was insurmountable, and the American had to settle for 2nd place, picking up the second automatic spot in a Season’s Best (SB) of 50.22s.
Olympic champion, Shaunae Miller-Uibo made light of a stacked heat 2, taking her time to move past Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson, claiming the victory in a time of 49.66s.
Jackson went out very fast, with Miller-Uibo running on her inside lane, pacing well as they both came off the curve together. The Bahamian then began to exert some dominance, streaking past Jackson to take the win.
NCAA 400m Champion, Wadeline Jonathas nicked 2nd spot ahead of Jackson, and she did it running a new Personal Best of 50.07s. Jonathas finished strongly, with a tired Jackson coming 3rd in 50.10s which was fast enough to secure her a a fastest loser spot.
Stephenie Ann-McPherson ran a well controlled race in the final heat of the 400m, finishing clear of the field in a Season’s Best (SB) of 50.70s. Polish athlete, Justyna Swiety-Ersetic finished off like a steam train to earn herself an automatic spot in 50.96s.
Poland will in fact field two athletes in that final as Iga Baumgart-Witan’s equalled Personal Best (PB) of 51.02s from the second heat earned her a spot in the final.
