OregonGoldRush | Jamaica qualifies after mixed 4x400 burn up

Jamaica have qualified for their first final at these World Athletics Championships in Eugene Oregon.

Running in heat two of the 4x400-metre mixed relays, the Jamaican team of Demish Gaye Roneisha McGregor, Karayme Bartley, and Tiffany James clocked 3:13.95 seconds to secure the third and final automatic qualifying spot.

The heat was won by the Dominican Republic in 3:13.22, while Ireland were second in 3:13.88.

Gaye opened with a 46.22-second opening leg to give the Jamaicans the slimmest of leads.

McGregor, running the second leg seemed to be holding that lead until the final few metres when a late charging field caught her, leaving Bartley fight his way back from third place.

McGregor’s leg was clocked at 51.90, while Bartley made a last push to find himself second when he handed over to James on the final leg.

James clocked 50.06 to bring the Jamaicans over the line in third.

All other qualifiers came from a fast heat one, where the United States (3:11.75), The Netherlands (3:12.63), Poland (3:13.70), Italy (3:13.89), and Nigeria (3:14.59) were the first five across the line.

The 4x400 mixed relay final takes place tonight at 9:50 p.m.

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