26th August 2017
STRICKLER AMONG THOSE TO PROGRESS TO FINALS AT WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES
British progression was the order of the fourth day at the World University Games as four Britons advanced to finals.
There was a delight for Amelia Strickler (Paul Wilson, Miami University) in the women’s shot put qualification as she advanced to the final on Sunday. After fouling her first two throws, it all came down to a pressure throw on the third attempt but the US-based athlete rose to the challenge and launched the shot out to 16.38m, earning her place in the final.
There was similar good news for Gregory Thompson (Neville Thompson, Maryland University) in the men’s discus qualification pools as he comfortably progressed into the final. The best of his three attempts came in round three with a 57.94m effort which saw him qualify in sixth altogether.
There was swift progression for James Bowness (William Parker, Glasgow Caledonian University) in the men’s 800m as he won his heat in 1:50.49. He went through as the equal fastest into the semi-finals.
Melissa Courtney (Rob Denmark, Brunel University) continued her excellent 2017 form by progressing through to the 1500m final on Monday with ease. After a fairly steady encounter, it was about showing a good tactical brain in the latter stages of the race as six women fought for the qualification spaces. The Briton manoeuvred superbly to finish in second place in 4:18.68 to automatically advance to the next stage of the competition.
Alicia Barrett (Toni Minichiello, Sheffield Hallam University) was fifth in the second of three semi-finals in the 100m hurdles. After clipping the first hurdle, the Chesterfield athlete had a lot of work to do and despite her best efforts; she crossed the line in fifth in 13.75 (-1.8) and missed out on a place in the final.
1500m bronze medallist Jonny Davies (Rob McKim, University of Birmingham) advanced to the final of the men’s 5000m with a fourth place finish in the second of two heats, to qualify with ease in 14:25.43.
The athletics timetable for the World University Games can be found here.
The action will be available to watch live here, and there will be daily round-ups of track and field action posted on www.britishathletics.org.uk