TOKYO, Japan — Jamaica’s Andrenette Knight and Shiann Salmon safely a dvanced to the women’s 400m hurdles semi-finals at the World Athletics Championships on Monday, keeping alive the country’s tradition of excellence in an event that has delivered medals on the biggest stages.

Knight clocked a smooth 53.74 seconds, while Salmon produced a season’s best 54.21, as both finished second in their respective heats, ensuring automatic spots in the penultimate round.

For Knight, the race went according to plan. The 28-year-old, who has been among the most consistent Jamaicans in the event this season, was pleased with her composed execution.

“I’m just blessed, I am grateful to be here, to be healthy, to be competing and to make it through the first round comfortably. I couldn’t ask for anything more,” Knight said.

“Honestly, I just know I need to get some rest and listen to whatever instructions my coach gives me. I know that we are in good shape to run something strong here and so I am looking forward.”

Knight, who has so far gone as fast as 53.67 this season, is responsible for the four fastest times by a Jamaican this season. In fact, she registered six of the seven fastest times recorded by a Jamaican this year.

Salmon, who has battled challenges throughout the season, was equally relieved to put down a solid performance in the opening round.

“For me it was a fair effort. I had a very rough season, I just have to thank God that I was able to qualify in the top two,” Salmon said after her race.

Despite seeming relatively comfortable against former champion Dalilah Muhammad, Salmon said she will not gauge her readiness based on that.

“Honestly, my confidence doesn’t come from anybody who I am competing with, it comes from how I feel after I have completed a round, and for me it was a fair effort. I am getting back to where I need to be and I am putting God first and see where I end up.”

The 26-year-old reflected on her development and the rising expectations that come with experience.

“In Doha I was fresh out of high school, nothing was expected of me. Last year I was a finalist at the Olympics so this one is the most pressure I have ever felt.”

Both athletes will now turn their attention to Wednesday’s semi-finals, where they will line up against a field that, even without world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who has turned her attention at these championships to the flat 400m, remains stacked with the likes of Olympic bronze medallist Femke Bol, Muhammad and other top class competitors.

Still, Jamaica has carved out a reputation for producing strong 400m hurdlers in recent years.

Deon Hemmings, Melaine Walker, Kaliese Spencer, Ristananna Tracey and Clayton all making their mark.

Knight and Salmon are eager to add to that legacy, and their first-round showings suggest that they are in the right shape to push for spots on the podium.

Jamaica’s Andrenette Knight competes in the women’s 400m hurdles heats during the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, on Monday. AFP

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