BEIJING, CHINA - AUGUST 23: Ristananna Tracey of Jamaica competes in the Women's 400 metres hurdles heats during day two of the 15th IAAF World Athletics Championships Beijing 2015 at Beijing National Stadium on August 23, 2015 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images for IAAF) *** Local Caption *** Ristananna Tracey

photomark 1 1024x531 1024x531 1 1024x531 1 1024x531 1 1024x531 1 1024x531 1 1024x531 1RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – Ristananna Tracey won the opening heat while Janieve Russell was second in heat 2 of the women’s 400m hurdles here at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Tracey dominated the backstretch, but was overtaken by Zuzana Hejnova of Czech Republic coming off the final curve. The Jamaican, however, kept her composure and raced down the homestretch to take the victory in 54.88.

Hejnova finished second in 55.54 while Italian Ayomide Folorunso, who finished very strong from lane one, took the last automatic qualifying spot from the heat in 55.78.

American teenage sensation Sydney McLaughlin was left back in 5th, her time 56.32, which was just good enough to get her in as one of the fastest losers.

Russell, who was given a medical exemption to skip the Jamaica Olympic Trials, and proved her fitness just in time, was a confortable qualifier in 56.13.

Russell eased across the line as Joanna Linkkiewicz of Poland took the top spot in 56.07.

In heat 3, Leah Nugent, who disqualified from heat 3 after crossing the in 55.66 behind American Ashley Spencer, 55.12, is now back into the runnings.

Janeil Bellille of Trinidad and Tobago with 56.25 qualified as one of the fastest losers, but Barbadian Tia-Adana Belle, 56.68 didn’t make it.

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Anthony Foster is a renowned Jamaican sports journalist, honored twice as the Jamaica sports journalist of the year (in 2004 and 2005). His journalistic achievements are globally recognized. Notably, he authored an award-winning article on Usain Bolt, the iconic 6-time Olympic champion, 11-time World champion, and record holder for the sprint double. This significant piece was published in the Jamaica Gleaner in 2004. Anthony's extensive coverage includes prestigious events such as the Olympic Games in Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016. He has also provided coverage for seven (7) World Athletics Championships held between 2007 and 2022, alongside various other international sporting events. Noteworthy mentions comprise his coverage of the 2007 World Cup of cricket and his cherished experience reporting on the 2004 clash between his favorite football team, Argentina, and the USA.

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