LONDON, England — With the second fastest-time of 54.92 seconds Jamaica’s Ristannana Tracey powered into the semi-finals of the women’s 400m hurdles at the IAAF World Championships in London yesterday.

She was joined by compatriots Rhonda Whyte and Leah Nugent.

Tracey, running out of lane two in Heat Three, got out fast and covered the field quickly before shutting it down and cruising home ahead of Petra Fontanive of Switzerland in 56.13. American Shamier Little was third in 56.18.

“My legs felt great, and I think I shut it down a bit, but my chest and my head felt a way, but I think I did good enough to get me through to the next round,” said Tracey.

National champion Whyte showed tremendous strength, though hitting a hurdle, to close well for second in Heat Five in 55.18 seconds. Lea Sprunger of Switzerland won in 55.14 with Nigeria’s Glory Onome Nathaniel third in 55.30.

Nugent also made it through as one of the fastest losers despite finishing fifth in her heat in 56.16. “My pattern was off I was running up on all the hurdles and I tried to slow down… it just wasn’t a good race,” said Nugent.

Having changed her technique after Jamaica’s senior championship, Nugent said once she gets it right she will be unbeatable.

The impressive Olympic champion and world leader, Dalilah Muhammad, of the US, strolled to victory in 54.59, which was the quickest of the day.

Meanwhile, only Kemar Mowatt advanced to the final of the men’s 400m hurdles after finishing fourth in his semi-final in 48.66. Kerron Clement won easily in 48.35 ahead of the promising Karsten Warholm of Norway with 48.43.

“It was a pretty good run. I tried to get out for the first 200 and just hold on with everything that I had. I feel better than yesterday (Sunday) and the time says it all,” said Mowatt.

National champion Jaheel Hyde was third in his heat in 49.75 and failed to make the final after entering the straight in third, but could not find that extra when it mattered most.

“I feel like the first part of my race was excellent and when I came into the straight I don’t know what the hell took place, but I finished injury-free, and that’s a plus out of the race,” said Hyde.

“I am very much disappointed I didn’t get into the final, but such is life; just have to work hard and come again next year,” he added.

— Howard Walker