Paris 2024 Olympics: Wiseman Were qualifies for 400m Hurdles semis among fastest qualifiers

The men’s 400m Hurdles at the Paris Olympic Games had Wiseman Were as Kenya’s sole representative in the hotly contested race.

Were made it to the Olympic Games after his impressive show at the Kip Keino Classic where he shattered the Kip Keino Classic Meeting record.

Competing in the first heat, Rai Benjamin put up a good show to claim the top honours, clocking a stunning 48.82 finishing ahead of Jaheel Hyde of Jamaica who came in second in a time of 49.08. Kyron McMaster completed the podium, stopping the clock at 49.24.

Heat two saw Karsten Warholm, the defending champion, win the race in style, clocking an impressive 47.57. Clement Ducos and struck a personal best time of 47.69 to cross the finish line as Abderrahman Samba completed the podium in 48.35.

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Heat three saw Rasmus Magi win in 48.62 with Cj Allen coming in second in a stunning 48.64. Olympic medallist Alison Dos Santos of Brazil completed the podium in 48.75.

Competing in the fourth heat, Wiseman Were could only afford a fifth-place finish in an impressive 48.58 and will have to contest for a slot in the semifinal in the repechage round. The heat was won by Roshawn Clarke with Ezekiel Nathaniel finishing second. Wilfried Happio completed the podium.

Jamaica’s Malik James-King won the race in the final round, clocking 48.21 to cross the finish line ahead of Matheus Lima who stopped the clock at 48.90. Alastair Chalmers of Great Britain completed the podium in a time of 48.98.

The athletes who finish outside the podium bracket will be contesting for a slot in the semis in the repechage round including Were.