media_artricles :: 2017

Smith advances to World Masters 200m final

Raymond Smith of ZC Athletics will vie for gold in the men's 55-59 200 metres final on the fifth day of the World Masters (Over 35) Track and Field Championships currently taking place in Daegu, South Korea.

Smith advanced to the final after he was third in the second semifinals in 25.98 seconds held early on Wednesday morning (TT time). He is the fifth fastest of the six finalists. The retired fire-fighter was beaten to the line by the Great Britain pair of Neil Turnstall (25.65) and Paul Guest (25.84). American William Yelverton won semifinal one in 24.86, the fastest time of the day.

Smith is now a double finalist as he was in the 60m final on Monday night, where he was fifth. The men's 55-59 200m final are set for Thursday morning (1.42 am). Smith is listed to run in lane two.

Martin Prime missed out on a place in the men's 50-54 200m final. The 60m bronze medallist clocked 25.33 in placing fifth in the second semifinals. However, his time was 11th quickest. The fastest six advanced to the finals. Prime's bronze is the lone medal for T&T at the meet thus far. T&T is at 47th on the medal table along with Brazil, Mauritius and Singapore. Australia heads the medal table with 50 medals (23 gold, 19 silver and 8 bronze). Great Britain and Northern Ireland is second 46 (21/17/ 8) ahead of Spain 34 (16/10/8) and France 28 (14/ 5/9).

Prime said that though he didn't advance to the medal round he is happy to be injury free.

"My muscles are sore but I am thankful I did not get hurt. The 60m took a lot out of me. My God is great."

He regards his bronze medal effort as a miracle.

"Coming here you have to run hard to get a medal as you are not handed one. It is a blessing making the finals and running myself into a medal was by the grace of God." The Cocoyea village resident said after winning gold at the 2014 edition, he said goal was to get the finals.

"At 54, I was the oldest in the age group and I wanted to come back, get into the finals and then win a medal. So I achieved those two goals. I didn't take each for granted."

Now that his campaign on the track has ended the TSTT employee has to cheer on Smith to a medal in the 200m finals.

"I plan to go and support Raymond in the finals."

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