BY OUR CORRESPONDENT
Commonwealth Games 400m hurdles bronze medallist Wiseman Were could not hide his joy after qualifying for the semi-finals of the 2024 Paris Games at the Stade de France on Monday.
Were sailed through as one of the three fastest losers after posting a time of 48.58 to finish fifth in heat four that was won by Jamaican Clarke Roshawn.
Nigerian Ezekiel Nathaniel finished second after clocking 48.38 while France’s Wilfried Hippio (48.42) and Italian Alessandro Sibilio (48.43) were ranked third and fourth respectively.
Were was more than relieved to have avoided to qualify for the semis through the tedious repechage route.
“I have not made any mistakes today and I have raced as per my plan. It’s just about planning of the race model tactics and calculations. I’m now targeting to push and get a slot in the final,” said Were.
“We get better, build in day-in day-out and have positive minds as always, because that’s what drives me. We just need to be realistic at each other and keep on pushing.”
He continued: “It takes a lot of energy to race in the repechage that’s why nobody wants to go there because it’s quite hot inside here.
The atmosphere is another level, and you have to deliver when it matters.”
The semifinal is set for Wednesday (20.05pm).
