Andre De Grasse and Aaron Brown easily through to World Championship 100m semi-final
Both Canadian sprinters looked great in the first round of the men's 100m at the 2019 World Championship
Andre De Grasse and Aaron Brown are both through to the 100m semi-finals after Friday’s heats at the 2019 World Championships. Both Canadian sprinters looked extremely smooth and easily grabbed auto-qualification spots in the next round.
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"I knew I had to come out and bring it" – Andre De Grasse#Doha2019 #WorldAthleticsChamps pic.twitter.com/fX3IOTqlSr
— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) September 27, 2019
De Grasse was in a tough heat which included American and defending World Champion Justin Gatlin and Olympic finalist Adam Gemili of Great Britain. He told the CBC following his race that he couldn’t cruise through the heats, he had to run. “I was a bit nervous coming in because it’s been so long. I think I got the jitters out and I feel like I’m ready to go for the next round.”
It’s been four years since De Grasse ran at a World Championship. He qualified in 2017 but pulled out due to a hamstring injury that lingered into 2018. When asked if he’s once again in medal contention, he says yes.
? ? @KingsleySC moves on into the men’s 100m semifinals tomorrow! https://t.co/MUC42VB4Am pic.twitter.com/vqQKQTkRkl
— Athletics Canada (@AthleticsCanada) September 27, 2019
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Brown also looked strong in his heat, finishing second in 10.16. The runner has had an extremely strong season, winning the national 100m championship in a head-to-head battle with De Grasse. Not only is Brown the defending national champion, but he’s also coming into the World Championships with new personal bests in both the 200m and 400m along with several impressive Diamond League performances under his belt.
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American Christian Coleman, who has faced scrutiny for missing three out-of-competition tests, won his heat in the fastest time of the day of 9.98s. Coleman is the favourite to win.
Both Canadians will compete in the 100m semis on Saturday morning at 11:45 a.m. Full schedule and results can be found here.
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