media_artricles :: 2016

Ahye bolts into final

Michelle-Lee Ahye qualified for the women's 200 metres final when she finished second in her semifinal heat at the Joao Havelange Olympic Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro last night.

Running from lane six in the third semifinal, Ahye clocked 22.25 to better her own national record of 22.33, which she established earlier this year at the National Championships.

The race was won by American Tori Bowie, who clocked 22.13.

Earlier, Semoy Hackett could only finish sixth in her semifinal. Hackett's time was 22.94 in a race won by Marie Josee Talou of the Ivory Coast, in 22.28 seconds. She finished ahead of Great Britain's Jodie Williams.

Winner of the first of the three semifinal was Dafne Schippers of the Netherlands in 21.96 seconds. Jamaica's Elaine Thompson, who won the gold medal in the 100 metres, was the other automatic qualifier, finishing second in 22.13.

Both the third and foruth placed finishers from this semifinal also qualified for tonight's final with third placed Deejah Stevens of America (22.38) and Britain's Dina Asher-Smith (22.49), making up the eight who will contest the final at 9.30pm (TT time).

Ahye, who was sixth in the women's 100 metres final, enjoyed a comfortable performance in the first round on Monday, winning her heat in a time of 22.50 which was the fourth fastest, going into last night's contest.

She got a good start last night and was always in the first two, with Bowie dominating from the start.

Lee Ahye said: "I am tired, but I am in the final and I made history so now I am going looking for a medal tomorrow.

"I will need to just be able to sustain everything. I am ready for that medal and it is about leaving everything out there tomorrow night." she added.

"I am going to get some rest because it was tough and bring everything my A game and more we need that medal that is my aim."

Following the race, Ahye said she was feeling good but a bit sore. "People say it is my stronger race but I still do not like it though, too much lactic."

She said she was aware of the speed in the last night's race and her time would be critical.

"I think I have a 21.9- 21.8 in me but it all depends on how my mind is on the day."

Hackett, who was a close second in her round one heat in a time of 22.78, could not reproduce her effort in the semis and folded tamely from her lane eight start.

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