Medal hopefuls Nugent, Williams of Jamaica, Bahamas’ Charlton advance to 100m hurdles semis in Paris
Nugent, the newly crowned Jamaican champion and national record holder, displayed her prowess by winning the final of five heats in a time of 12.65. Nugent's smooth run ensured her progression to the semi-finals, where she is expected to be a formidable contender for a medal. Charlton of the Bahamas, running in the same heat, also secured her spot in the next round with a strong performance, finishing in 12.71. Grace Stark of the USA was a close third, clocking 12.72.
Williams, a two-time world champion, looked comfortable as she claimed victory in Heat 4 with a time of 12.59. Williams finished well ahead of Ireland’s Sarah Lavin, who crossed the line in 12.73, and Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji, who recorded 12.81.
Brown, the 2019 NCAA champion, faced a tough challenge in the opening heat but managed to advance by finishing third with a time of 12.84. The heat was won by world record holder Tobi Amusan of Nigeria, who clocked 12.49, with American Alaysha Johnson finishing second in 12.61.
Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico posted the fastest time of the round, winning Heat 2 in a blistering 12.42. Camacho-Quinn's dominance left Great Britain’s Cindy Sember (12.72) and Poland’s Pia Skrzysowska (12.82) trailing in her wake.
In Heat 3, American champion Russell and Nadine Visser of the Netherlands finished together in 12.53, with Russell being declared the winner. European champion Cyrena Samba-Mayela of France was right behind them, clocking 12.56.
The stage is now set for a series of mouth-watering duels as these elite hurdlers vie for a place in the final and a shot at Olympic glory.