This country’s chief medal contenders Sada Williams and Jonathan Jones continued their impressive recent form on the track with victories in their respective 400m heats yesterday at the 2022 Commonwealth Games to emphatically qualify for this weekend’s semi-finals.
The 24 year-old Williams, fresh from capturing a World Chamionship bronze, won the third heat of the women’s 400m in a cool and comfortable time of 51.66 seconds, hardly breaking a sweat as she easily strode over the line despite late pressure from second place finisher Zoey Clarke from Scotland who clocked 51.84 seconds. England’s Jodie Williams was third in 52.47 seconds.
Teammate Jonathan Jones powered to victory in his heat in 46.39 seconds after getting a brilliant start and kicking into a higher gear over the last 200 metres before cooling the engines and coasting to the finish line. Botswana’s Anthony Pesela was a close second in 46.55 seconds.
Kyle Gale also qualified for the semi-finals after finishing fourth in his heat in 46.66 seconds. Gale was third for much of the race, utilizing his long, strong strides with good effect over the first 150 metres. Grenadian Michael Francois had other ideas however and passed Gale over the last 30 metres to take third place and the final automatic qualifying spot in 46.35 seconds. (NM)