RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – Annsert Whyte ran his second personal best in two days at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games to secure his place in men’s 400m hurdles championship event.
Whyte, who entered the semi-final as the fastest qualifier, proved to be a cut above the semi-final field, as he was easy from start to finish.
He powered down the home stretch, literally unchallenged, and a glance at the clock with 48.32, another personal best, brought some huge gesticulation to show his satisfaction.
Javier Culson of Peurto Rico took the second automatic qualifying spot in 48.46, also a personal best.
Jaheel Hyde exited the competition with 49.17. The 19-year-old never looked in it from early, but made a gallant attempt in the closing stages. The semi-final heat was won by Trinidad and Tobago-born American Kerron Clement, in a season best 48.26, ahead of Boniface Mucheru Tumuti of Kenya, 48.85, another season best.
Cato, the third Jamaican, also made his way out at this stage. Cato was off the pace from early, which left him no chance in the end, his 49.54 in the heat won by Ireland’s Thomas Barr, who ran a national record 48.39.
