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LONDON – Elaine Thompson cruised into the semi-finals of the women’s 100m here at the 16th IAAF World Championships.
Thompson, who raced out of the blocks before easing down in the last 20 metres, crossed the line in 11.05secs.
Crystal Emmanuel of Canada, 11.14 and American Ariana Washington, 11.28, were no match for the Olympic Games sprint double champion.
Jamaica will have three others – Jura Levy, 11.09, Natasha Morrison, 11.21 and Simone Facey, 11.29 in the next round.
Trinidad and Tobago with Michelle-Lee Ahye, 11.14 and Kelly-Ann Baptiste, 11.21s, are the other regional women to make progress.
Two of the main challengers for the title, Dafne Schippers, 11.08 and American Tori Bowie, 11.05, also booked their tickets.
Schippers, who was 2nd in her heat, said “It’s the first round, so you just want to get it done. “
“I’ve been working on my starts and that one was okay today. It was easy going through to the finish,” she added.
“My body is feeling good at the moment and I am not tired. I am excited for the semi-finals tomorrow. It’s a good start for now,” added the defending World 200m champion.”
Five Caribbean men made it through in the one lap event.
Bahamian Steven Gardiner was the best of the region’s men with 44.75 to take the top spot in heat 4.
Jamaican Nathon Allen topped heat 6 in 44.91, but was taken to the media room because of a headache caused by dehydration.
Jamaica’s Demish Gaye with 44.98, Trinidad and Tobago’s pair of Lalonde Gordon, 45.02, and Machel Cedenio, 45.77, respectively, Cayman Islands’ Jamal Walton, 45.05, are the other to move on to the semi-finals.
O’Dayne Richards (JAM) 19.95m, failed to advance in the men’s shot put.
In the women’s triple jump, Jamaicans Kimberly Williams, 14.14m and Shanieka Ricketts, 14.21m will contest the women’s triple jump final on Monday.
Williams, who is in her 5th World Championships, said, “It (first round) was alright. No objections, I was here to qualify. It was not too cold today.”
“I am always ready for the final. I have to be thankful for the season, for staying healthy-ish. The crowd was awesome. From London 2012, I knew the morning session was going to be packed. “
