Women’s World Championship 800m wide open after big contenders eliminated in heats
Canadian Lindsey Butterworth is through to the semi-final, but American Hanna Green and Brit Lynsey Sharp both eliminated
Birthday girl Lindsey Butterworth, 27, has made it through on time to the World Championship 800m semi-final in 2:01.64. Butterworth is at her second World Championships, her first being the 2017 event. She raced a very composed 800m on Friday afternoon, finishing fourth in her heat.
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The Surrey, B.C. runner has had a great 2019. She ran consistently through the early season, setting personal bests in the 800m (2:00.31) and 1,500m (4:10.57) through July and August.
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In Friday’s race some major contenders were eliminated in the heats. The 2017 800m finalist Lynsey Sharp and American standout Hanna Green both came up short despite coming into the competition as favourites for the final. If Butterworth can continue to run composed races, she could certainly land herself among the top eight women and contend for a medal come Monday.
Beauty first night in ?? Qatar for some amazing athletics. @AthleticsCanada @IAAFDoha2019 pic.twitter.com/HheKTFI5Ei
— Trent Stellingwerff (@TStellingwerff) September 27, 2019
Butterworth was taken to the 2017 World Championship on an IAAF invitation and while the runner admits that her preparations weren’t ideal for that event, she feels that it was an amazing opportunity that’s allowing her to be more competitive this time around. “I think it’s very important for athletes to be given the opportunity to compete at this level whenever possible, as it definitely helps their development. Leading into the World Championships in Doha, I feel much more prepared. If I was not given the opportunity in 2017, I think I would be feeling overwhelmed.” The semi-finals run tomorrow at 12:15 p.m. EDT.
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