KINGSTON, Jamaica — Three Jamaicans are through to the women’s 400m hurdles final at the Rabat Diamond League set for later today, but, freshly minted national champion Rhonda Whyte failed to advance from her heat.

Janieve Russell and sister Ristananna and Nikita Tracey safely navigated their way through. Russell was second quickest of the trio clocking 54.36s and was second to Zuzana Hejnova of the Czech Republic in 54.22s, which was the fastest into the final.  Eilidh Doyle of Great Britain was third in 54.92s. Rhona Whyte was eighth in 56.00s.

“The race was not as I expected it. I believe the race was bad and I wanted to do better than this,” said Russell, who will miss the London World Championships after placing fourth at the Jamaican trials.

Ristananna Tracey took heat one in 55.18s with Nikita Tracey third in 55.50s. Petra Fontanive of Switzerland was second in 55.35s.

Ristananna was pleased with he run.

“Nikita went out very fast but I wanted to execute my own race. I can’t complain about my time and about winning today. Competition in this event is very tough and I’ll have to do it my best,” said Ristananna.

Howard Walker