Watson runs to semifinal at worlds

By Medicine Hat News on August 8, 2017.

Medicine Hat News

On the world stage once again, Sage Watson continues to impress.

The 23-year-old from Seven Persons finished second in her 400 metre hurdles qualifying heat at the world track and field championships in London, England Monday. She’ll race in semifinals tonight, looking to make Thursday’s finals.

Watson, running in the third lane of the first qualifying heat, finished in 55.06 seconds — just a few strides behind American Dalilah Muhammad who won the heat in 54.59 seconds.

After making the semifinals at last year’s Olympics, Watson’s times have improved and she entered worlds as the NCAA and Canadian champion in the event.

Her personal best is 54.52 seconds, just shy of the Canadian record of 54.39 seconds. She told The Canadian Press she’s “ready to do something special.”

Only three runners broke the 55-second barrier Monday, Watson’s time ranking her fifth entering the semifinal heats.

Watson will also likely run the 4×400 metre relay with Team Canada, with qualifying heats set for Saturday and the final on Sunday.