Semi-final storm sets up box-office day on the athletics track

Athletics 04 Aug 24

Keely Hodgkinson, Josh Kerr and Neil Gourley are set for box-office finals at Stade de France.

Olympic silver medallist Hodgkinson is set as the fastest qualifier for the women's 800m final after a statement of intent saw her cruise through the her semi-final by more than half a second.

The 22-year-old led from the front and never once looked back, crossing in 1:56.86 with Ethiopia's Tsige Duguma the next quickest qualifier in 1:57.47.

She said: "You can't take any chances. It gave me a good practice for tomorrow but I just wanted to be safely qualified. Job done, we're in the final now. Mission is on. All I can say is tune in tomorrow for a really exciting race."

Jemma Reekie was very close to taking one of two avaliable fastest qualifier spots but ultimately saw her campaign end in the semi-finals, passed by three athletes to place fifth in 1:58.01.

Whilst 17-year-old Phoebe Gill was prominent in the first heat, clocking 1:58.47 in an incredible Olympic debut.

She said: "I’m very emotional right now, and that is not from being sad - that’s from being proud of myself.

"I’m just so happy to get through one round and to say that I’m an Olympian now."

Reigning world champion Kerr shared a tantalising tussle with Olympic gold medallist Jakob Ingebrigtsen as the pair finished top two in the first semi-final of the men's 1500m.

The Norwegian looked to dominate from the front and Kerr was with him every step of the way as they crossed the line within a tenth of a second of each other, Kerr clocking 3:32.46.

Gourley also reached the final on Olympic debut thanks to a composed semi-final run, staying in the top three throughout and finishing third in 3:32.11 behind American pair Yared Nuguse and Hobbs Kessler.

"Fans should expect the most competitive 1500m the sport has seen in a long time," said Kerr.

"There’s been a lot of talking words over the last few years, I’m looking to settle that on Tuesday and give it my best performance."

Having successfully negotiated the repechage round, George Mills placed 11th in his heat in a time of 3:37.12 whilst in the men's 100 metres, both Louie Hinchliffe and Zharnel Hughes exited in the semi-finals.

Both of Team GB's male 400m runners found easy speed and looked strong in progressing from the heats.

Matthew Hudson-Smith won his contest in a controlled 44.78s whilst Charlie Dobson clocked 44.96 to cruise into the semi-finals.

"It was an easy run," said Hudson-Smith. "I was just going for the win and to try and make it as easy as possible and get ready for the semi-finals. I just wanted to execute my race plan as comfortably as possible."

"Preparation has been really good, so now I just go for the win."

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