Ramsey Angela and Nick Smidt qualified for the semifinals of the 400m hurdles at the World Championships in Eugene on Saturday. The Dutch athletes finished in the series in the first four of their heats and that was enough to continue.
Angela ran in his series to second place in 49.62. He did concede a second to American Khallifah Rosser, who clocked 48.62. Smidt finished fourth in his heat, behind Brazilian winner Alison Dos Santos (49.41).
Karsten Warholm also qualified for the semi-finals by winning his heat in 49.34. The 29-year-old Norwegian is defending champion, Olympic champion and world record holder, but the question is whether he can live up to his status in Eugene.
Warholm suffered an injury in the run-up to the World Cup, making it uncertain whether he could appear fit and sharp at the start.
Ramsey Angela finished second in his heat.
Ramsey Angela finished second in his heat. Photo: AP
Smidt did not get through series in Doha
The semi-finals of the 400 meter hurdles are on the program in the night from Sunday to Monday (Dutch time) and the final battle is in the night from Tuesday to Wednesday.
The 25-year-old Smidt made his debut three years ago at a World Cup, but then he did not make it through the series in Doha. At the Games last year in Tokyo, the semi-final was the final station. 22-year-old Angela excelled in Tokyo by taking silver in the 4×400 meters with the relay men. It is the first time that the Rotterdammer is competing in the 400 meter hurdles at a global tournament.
With the women, the Netherlands has a world top in the 400 meters hurdles with Femke Bol. Last year she took Olympic bronze and in Eugene she is going for her first World Cup medal.
Karsten Warholm wants to extend Eugene’s title.
Karsten Warholm wants to extend Eugene’s title. Photo: Getty Images