Uganda’s middle distance runner Halimah Nakaayi progressed to the 800m semis at the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon (US).
Nakaayi, a defending champion after triumphing in Doha three years ago, came second in a time of 2:01.41 in heat three at the Hayward Field.
She will be hoping to win Uganda a third medal in Oregon after Joshua Cheptegei (Gold) and Jacob Kiplimo (Bronze) at the 10,000m.
United States’ Athing Mu, the Olympic champion, won the heat in 2 minutes and 01.30 seconds.
Cuba’s Rose Mary Almanza failed to go through after clocking 2:01.96 to finish fourth, behind Elie Baker of the United States who clinched the other automatic spot in Heat three.
The semis will be held on Saturday morning with a couple of stars like Jemma Reekie, Kelly Hodgkinson, Raevyn Rogers and Natalie Goule among others qualifying as well.
