Trinidad and Tobago's Jereem Richards, Grenada's Kirani James, and Jamaica's Jevaughn Powell have successfully advanced to the semi-final round of the men’s 400m at the 2024 Paris Olympics following their performances on Sunday.
Richards led the Caribbean charge with an impressive time of 44.31, finishing second in Heat 2 behind 2022 World Champion Michael Norman of the USA, who clocked the fastest time of the preliminary round at 44.10. Richards' strong performance secures him a spot in the semi-finals and continues his quest for Olympic glory.
James, the 2012 Olympic champion, had a comfortable run in Heat 5, winning in 44.78. James finished ahead of Canada’s Christopher Morales Williams, who crossed the line in 44.96, ensuring his place in the next round.
Jamaica's Jevaughn Powell also made it through to the semi-finals, finishing third in Heat 6 with a time of 45.12. The heat was won by Great Britain’s Charles Dobson in 44.96, with Belgium’s Alexander Doom taking second in 45.01.
However, it wasn’t smooth sailing for all Caribbean competitors. Jamaica’s national champion Deandre Watkin and compatriot Sean Bailey will need to utilize the newly introduced repechage round for another chance to advance. Bailey ran a respectable 44.68 in Heat 2 but could only manage fifth place. Watkin, who initially looked strong, faded over the last 150m in the opening heat and finished seventh with a time of 45.97. This heat was won by Great Britain's Matthew Hudson-Smith in 44.78.
Both Watkin and Bailey will hope for better performances in the repechage round set for Monday morning, giving them a final opportunity to make it to the semi-finals and keep their Olympic dreams alive.
The performances of Richards, James, and Powell highlight the strength and depth of Caribbean sprinting talent. As they move on to the semi-finals, they carry with them the hopes and expectations of their nations, aiming to make a significant impact on the Olympic stage.
Leighton Levy is a journalist with 28 years’ experience covering crime, entertainment, and sports. He joined the staff at SportsMax.TV as a content editor two years ago and is enjoying the experience of developing sports content and new ideas. At SportsMax.tv he is pursuing his true passion - sports.
St. Lucia’s Alfred adds 200m silver to 100m gold; USA’s Thomas claims first Olympic title
St. Lucia’s Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred continued her brilliant showing at the Paris Games with silver in the final of the Women’s 200m at the Stade de France on Monday.
The 23-year-old recovered from a less than ideal start with a strong finish to cross the line second in 22.08.
Gold went to American Gabby Thomas who ran 21.82 while another American, Brittany Brown, took bronze in 22.20.
Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith and Daryll Neita ran 22.22 and 22.23, respectively for fourth and fifth while Nigeria’s Favour Ofili ran 22.24 in sixth.
American McKenzie Long (22.42) and Ivory Coast’s Jessika Gbai (22.70) rounded out the top eight.
Pinnock jumps 8.36m to take silver in Men’s long jump; Tentoglu defends Olympic title with 8.48m
In a repeat of the final at the World Championships last year in Budapest, Jamaica’s Wayne Pinnock was narrowly beaten by Greece’s Miltiadis Tentoglu in the final of the Men’s long jump at the Paris Olympic Games at the Stade de France on Tuesday.
Jamaica’s Pinnock had a consistent series with a best jump of 8.36m but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Greek from adding to his extensive list of global gold medals.
Tentoglu’s winning jump of 8.48m also came in the second round.
Italian 19-year-old Mattia Furlani produced 8.34m to take Italy’s first medal in the event in 40 years.
The other Jamaican in the final, Carey McLeod, didn’t have his best day with 7.82m to finish 12th.
France topple Canada to reach second consecutive Olympics semi-final
France are through to their second consecutive Olympic semi-final after brushing aside Canada 82-73 in the quarter-finals on Tuesday.
Canada were unbeaten coming into this game after a strong showing in the competition so far, but had no answers against the hosts and their raucous home support.
Canada's game plan limited Victor Wembanyama to a supporting role as he scored just seven points, but that allowed Guerschon Yabusele and Isaia Cordinier to shine as they scored 22 and 20 points respectively.
France made a strong start, storming into a 19-point lead at the start of the second half, though Canada clawed themselves back to within five points with only four minutes remaining - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led them with 27 points.
The comeback soon stalled though, as Evan Fournier put together seven quick points to send France cruising into the next round as they aim to better their silver medal from the Tokyo Olympics.
They will face Germany for a chance to play in the gold-medal match, while Canada have now failed to make it to the final four at the Olympics since 1984.
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