LONDON, (Reuters) – Shaunae Miller-Uibo put her 400 metres disappointment behind her to power into the final of the 200m of the World Championships on Thursday, saying she had simply lost her balance in the showpiece the day before.
The Bahamian came from behind in the last 60 metres to win the second heat in a time of 22.49 seconds and qualify for Friday’s final.
Following the race, she explained what had happened 24 hours earlier when she stumbled 15 metres from the line when comfortably leading the 400m final and dropped to fifth.
“I know a lot of people thought I’d hurt my hamstring,” she said. “It was kinda weird. I had the race under control, I looked up at the screen and misplaced my foot and just completely lost my balance.
“It’s good to get back on the track and wash it away and focus on the 200.”
Dafne Schippers remained on course to become the first Dutch athlete to win successive world titles as the defending champion won the opening heat, ahead of American Deajah Stevens, in the same time as Miller-Uibo.
Kimberlyn Duncan joined fellow American Stevens in the final, while 100m silver medallist Marie-Josee Ta Lou of the Ivory Coast qualified fastest from the final heat ahead of Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith. Canada’s Crystal Emmanuel and Tynia Gaither of the Bahamas qualified via the fastest non-automatic places.
Tori Bowie of the U.S. pulled out of the event on Tuesday after suffering cuts and bruises in winning the 100m final the previous day.
