Namibiaâ??s Agnes Samaria qualified for the semifinals of the womenâ??s 1500m at the World Athletics Championships when she came third in her first round heat on Wednesday, August 29.
Samaria finished her heat in a time of 4:10,96, which was just behind the winner, Yelena Soboleva of Russia (4:10,45) and Treniere Clement of the United States (4:10,85).
Samaria had a fast start to the race and soon took the lead. She completed the first 400m in 1:07,82 and after 800m was still in the lead at 2:16,46.
Soboleva however took the lead by the third lap, completing the 1 200m mark in 3:22,90.
It was a very tight finish as the first eight athletes all finished within a second of each other. Samariaâ??s time of 4:10,96 was about two seconds outside her national record of 4:08,06.
The womenâ??s 1 500m semifinals take place on Friday, August 31, while the 1 500m final is scheduled for Sunday, September 2.
â??I am looking forward to a great 1 500m and I am very excited. This is unknown territory to me but the few races I raced in earlier this year, have given me a firm foundation to be positive and confident when racing the 1500m,â? she told Namibia Sport.
Samaria last in 800m semis
Samaria had earlier failed to reach the womenâ??s 800m final when she came last in her semifinal heat in a time of 2:02,05. She came fourth in her first round heat in a time of 1:59,76 and progressed to the semifinals as one of the fastest first round losers.
Janeth Jepkosgei of Kenya eventually won the 800m final in the worldâ??s fastest time this year of 1:56,04. Hasna Benhassi of Moroco was second (1:56,99) and Mayte Martinez of Spain came third (1:57,62).