Omar Johnson gets his wish
MOSCOW, Russia — Omar Johnson got his wish as he managed to squeeze through to Monday’s semi-finals of the men’s 400m despite a disappointing fifth place in the first round on today’s second day of the 14th IAAF World Championships at the Lukhniki Stadium in Moscow.
He joins 18-year-old Javon Francis and Javere Bell who were automatic qualifiers finishing second and third respectively in their heats.
It was a good morning for the Jamaicans as all the athletes who took part all advanced to the next round of their disciplines including the four women in the 100m as well as both male sprint hurdlers.
Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce and Kerron Stewart both won their heats while Sherry-Ann Brooks and Shillonie Calvert were automatic qualifiers.
Johnson who was selected to run the event despite a B qualifying standard clocked 45.97 seconds told the Jamaica Observer he was hoping that he would get into the second round.
Francis who ran a hard first 300m was second in his heat in 45.37 seconds while Bell who raced alongside defending champion Kirani James of Grenada, was second in 45.20 seconds.