RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – Megan Simmonds, Shermaine Williams and Nickeisha Wilson have booked their semi-final spots in the women’s 100m hurdles Tuesday’s fifth day of track and field at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Simmonds ran 12.81secs to secure one of three automatic qualifying spots behind American Brianna Rollins, who won the heat in 12.54.
The Jamaican champion who looked smooth in her race expect a better performance in Wednesday’s semi-finals.
“I think I could have focussed a tad bit more in the race, but I have semifinals to correct that and hopefully God’s willing I will get it right. I feel like I am in form and in shape to give them a good battle. I am super confident. My coach is Stephen Francis and I serve one true living God.
Earlier, Williams was fourth in heat 1, in 12.95 and advanced as one of the time qualifiers. Coming in her second Olympics, Williams finished behind the winner Kristi Castlin of United States, 12.68, and Anne Zagre of Belgium, 12.85 and Nooralotta Neziri of Finland, 12.88.
Wilson, in her first sprint hurdles at this level, ran a season best 12.89 in taking an automatic third spot in heat four to move into the semis. She was beaten to the line by Cindy Roleder of Germany won the heat in 12.86 a and Tiffany Porter of Great Britain, 12.87.
Bahamian Pedrya Seymour also qualified for the semis with 12.85 taking third pot in heat 4, won by Nia Ali of USA 12.76.
Barbados’ Kierre Beckles, 13.01 did not advance, running 13.01 to finish sixth in heat four.
