#RioGoldRush: 400m women McPherson, Jackson and Day through to semis

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Jamaica's quarter-mile trio of Stephanie McPherson, Shericka Jackson and Chrsitine Day cruised into the semi-finals of the women's 400m at the Rio Olympic Games today.

McPherson, the reining national champion, was the fastest among the Jamaican qualifiers, as she clocked 51.36 seconds to win her heat comfortably. McPherson has the fourth fastest time heading into tomorrow's semi-finals.   

Jackson, the 2015 World Championships bronze medallist, secured her place in the semi-finals after she won her heat comfortably in 51.73 seconds.

Meanwhile, the 29-year-old Day, who finished fourth in last year's World Championships, captured her heat in 51.54 seconds.

Defending champion Allyson Felix of the United States is also through to the semi-finals after she clocked 51.24 seconds to win her heat.  

The semi-finals will be contested tomorrow at 6:35 p.m.

Profile:

Stephanie McPherson

Age: 27 years old

High School: Mountain Grace High School

Tertiary Education: University of Technology, Jamaica

Events: Women’s400m, 4x400m relay

Personal Best: 400m - 49.92s

Interesting Facts: Her nickname is Chicken Foot