Paris, France – On a triumphant day for Jamaican athletics, national record holder Roshawn Clarke, national champion Malik James-King, and standout Jaheel Hyde all made significant strides by advancing to the semi-finals of the men’s 400m hurdles at the Olympic Games. The competition took place at the historic Stade de France in Paris.
Roshawn Clarke, continuing his impressive return to top form, effortlessly breezed through his heat, clocking in at 48.17 seconds. His performance placed him comfortably ahead of Nigeria’s Ezekiel Nathaniel, who finished second with a time of 48.38 seconds, and Frenchman Wilfried Happio, who secured third in 48.42 seconds.
Malik James-King, showcasing his breakthrough season, also triumphed in his heat. Running from lane two, James-King stopped the clock at 48.21 seconds, outpacing Brazil’s Matheus Lima, who was second at 48.90 seconds, and Great Britain’s Alastair Chalmers, who came in third with a time of 48.98 seconds.
Jaheel Hyde, Jamaica’s third representative in the event, displayed a strong performance in the first heat. Hyde secured second place with a time of 49.09 seconds, trailing behind American medal contender Rai Benjamin who led the heat in 48.82 seconds, with Kyron McMaster from the British Virgin Islands capturing third place in 49.24 seconds.
This clean sweep into the semi-finals underscores Jamaica’s formidable presence in track and field, particularly in the 400m hurdles discipline, and sets the stage for potentially historic outcomes in the forthcoming rounds.
