Despite two personal best times, Jamaica failed to earn any medal in the Women’s 400m hurdles as Ristananna Tracey, Leah Nugent and Janieve Russell finished fifth, sixth and seventh respectively yesterday at the Olympic Stadium here in Brazil.

The outstanding Dalilah Muhammed of the United States of America won in 53.13 seconds after it appeared midway the race that she would be threatening Jamaica’s Melaine Walker’s Olympic Record of 52.64 seconds established in 2008. Sara Slot Petersen created history and won Denmark’s first medal in the Olympic Games after she finished second for silver in a national record of 53.55 seconds. Ashley Spencer made it a wonderful race for the Americans as she closed well for bronze in a personal best of 53.72 seconds.

Tracey was timed in a lifetime best of 54.15 seconds, with Nugent, one of the surprise performers at these Games for Jamaica, ending with a personal best of 54.45 seconds. Russell, just recovering from injury, clocked 54.61 seconds.

Although not medalling, Nugent was more than pleased following her second personal best in two days.

“I ran my hardest and ran my personal best on the day and I am happy. Where I came from and just breaking 55 yesterday (Wednesday), I can’t be any happier doing it again,” said Nugent.

“I haven’t really been running from lane one or two much this season and it was very tight for me, so I had to strategise. It wasn’t perfect but I ran my personal best,” she noted.

Nugent, who switched allegiance to Jamaica recently, said she was sure she would make the team and now she actually made the Olympic final along with two other countrywomen.

“Jamaica is strong in the sprints so it’s just great that we could be strong in the 400m hurdles too and I hope people are watching us,” said Nugent.

Tracey said she was encouraged by her teammates to work harder and having achieved her personal best, she is happy.

“I have to give thanks to them (teammates) and the Almighty God for giving me the health and strength to come out here and do it,” said Tracey.

Tracey, who trains with Sprintec, believes Jamaica’s 400m hurdling is heading in the right direction having three ladies in the final of the Olympic Games.

Deon Hemmings in 1996 and Melaine Walker in 2008 have secured gold for Jamaica in the 400 hurdles and the trio of Tracey, Nugent and Russell look set to keep the island amongst the best in the world.