KINGSTON, Jamaica— National champion Rushell Clayton and Shiann Salmon are through to the final of the women’s 400m hurdles, one of the most highly anticipated events on the track and field schedule at the Olympic games, after Tuesday’s semi-finals at Stade de France in Paris.

Clayton won her semi-final heat in 53.00 seconds to take an automatic qualifying spot, while Salmon ran a lifetime best 53.13 seconds to advance on time.

Two-time Olympic finalist Janieve Russell however failed to advance to the final, as she was fourth in her semi-final race in 54.65 seconds.

Clayton, who is ranked third in the world, again got off to a fast start and held on to win, beating American Jasmine Jones- 53.83 seconds and Zeney Gelenhuys of South Africa was third in a personal best 53.90 seconds.

Salmon, who had run 53.71 seconds at the JAAA national championships to make the team after missing out on the World Championships last year, competed well against medal favourite Femke Bol of the Netherlands who won with 52.57 seconds, beating American Anna Cockrell- 52.90 seconds.

-Paul A Reid