Emotional Simmonds leads sprint hurdlers into semis
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — A super confident Megan Simmonds, along with Shermaine Williams and Nickiesha Wilson, all advanced to the semi-finals of the women’s 100m hurdles yesterday.
Simmonds, who was recently crowned Jamaica’s national champion, was second in Heat Six in 12.81 seconds (+0.4). American Brianna Rollins won in a fast 12.54 seconds. Sandra Gomis of France took third in 13.04 seconds and also secured her berth in the semi-finals.
“I think I could have focused a tad bit more in the race, but I have semi-finals to carry out and hopefully, God willing, I get it. I feel like I am in form to give them a good battle,” said Simmonds.
Williams, who was first up, placed fourth in Heat One in 12.95 (-0.5) and qualified as one of the fastest losers. The race was won by Kristi Castlin of the United States of America (USA) in 12.68 seconds. Anne Zagre of Belgium was second with 12.85 and Nooralotta Neziri of Finland third in 12.88 seconds.
Williams, the older sister of world champion Danielle, has been drawn in semi-final one and will run from lane one. Brianna Rollins is in lane seven with Tiffany Porter of Great Britain in lane three.
Meanwhile, Nickiesha Wilson ran a season’s best of 12.89 (-0.1) and was third in Heat Four behind Cindy Roleder of Germany, who won in 12.86 seconds. Tiffany Porter was second in 12.87. Wilson was placed in semi-final two and will match strides with the outstanding American Nia Ali.
But despite the apparent power of the Americans, Jamaica’s champion Megan Simmonds is not perturbed as she came face-to-face with one of the favourites Rollins.
“I was happy she was in my heat, because you don’t just run against somebody like that in the final. So I got a feel of her in the heat, so I would be more comfortable if I get her or somebody like her in the semis or final,” explained Simmonds.
The diminutive Simmonds, who was appearing at her first senior championships, said she has to be fighting back her emotions at this her first Olympic Games.
“To tell the truth, I have to be holding back tears in the warming up area. I have been through a lot and to be finally here and to get the opportunity is really emotional,” Simmonds revealed.
