World Indoors: Francis in semis after 'tough' 400m run

BIRMINGHAM, England: 
Javon Francis produced a strong run at the end to secure his spot in the semi-finals of the men’s 400m at the IAAF World Indoor Championships at Arena Birmingham on Friday morning.

Francis finished second in heat two in 46.87 seconds to secure an automatic qualifying spot to the semis. The race was by Slovenia’s Luka Janezic in 46.45.

Francis came off the final bend in last place but used his strength and top-end speed to run past three competitors in the final 20 metres.

Francis said the race was very difficult and so he is happy to be in the semi-finals.  

"It was tough race because it was my first real blowout since I got here and I am very happy that I qualified for the semi-finals,” said Francis.  

“This is my third time running indoors and so I need to be more aggressive for the semi-finals,” he said.

Francis, who has been hampered by a hamstring injury last year, said he is fully fit now.  

“I am happy with my fitness and so I just have to stay focused," he added.

Meanwhile, Jamaica’s other competitor in the event Steven Gayle failed to advance after he was disqualified from heat three.

The semi-finals of the 400m is scheduled for 4:06 p.m. Jamaica time. 

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