#BudaQuest: Clayton runs new personal best in 400mh semi-final

A brilliant run from Jamaica’s Rushell Clayton in the semi-finals of the women's 400-metre hurdles in Budapest, Hungary not only propelled her to the final of the event, but also serves as a her new life-time best.

Running in the first semi-final heat, Clayton clocked a solid-looking 53.30 seconds to get the better of the United States Anna Cockrell.

The second heat of the semi-finals also saw a brilliant effort by Andrenette Knight, who was second in 53.72 seconds behind gold-medal favourite, the Netherlands’ Femke Bol, who looked comfortable in 52.95.

Knight’s effort relegated the United States’ Dalilah Muhammad, 54.19, to the Q Room and eventually out of the final.

Muhammad’s ousting eventually came after the third semi-final heat where Janieve Russell, 53.69, finished third in a fast race, won by the United States Shamier Little in a season’s best, 52.81.

Bahrain’s Kemi Adekoya was second in an area record, 53.39.

The result meant Russell, who knew she was not in an automatic qualification position, had a moment of worry, but there was no need as both herself, and fourth-place finisher, Italy’s Ayomide Folorunso, after a national record, 53.89, were quickest.

The 400 hurdles final takes place on Friday at 2:50 p.m.

We want to hear from you! Email us at star@gleanerjm.com and follow @thejamaicastar on Instagram and on Twitter @JamaicaStar and on Facebook: @TheJamaicaStar, or on Whatsapp @ 876-550-2506.