Allyson Felix easily moved on to the final of the women’s 200 meters, posting the fastest time by an American this year. Her time of 22.22 seconds is the fourth-fastest in the world this year, behind a quartet of Jamaicans.
“It was good,” she said. “I wanted to come out with a really strong 150 and then see where I was at. I felt really comfortable. I know there is more left in there, so I’m really excited about tomorrow’s final.”
Muna Lee, the 100m champion from last week, had the second fastest qualifying time, just behind Felix in 22.33. She said her plan for tomorrow will be the same, but that “the ending will be a little different.”
Bianca Knight won the other semifinal in 22.53. Marshevet Hooker, Lauryn Williams and Torri Edwards followed her across the line into the finals, which are scheduled for 4:40 p.m. this afternoon.
“Today, I got out hard and held on,” Knight said. “I had to run a little harder than the other rounds, but I get stronger as the rounds go on. I’m really anxious to see what happens tomorrow.”
Shalonda Solomon had the fastest time in the quarterfinals, just as she did in Friday’s first round. She qualified for the final by placing third in her heat.
Carmelita Jeter claimed the final automatic qualifying spot in the final, just .02 seconds ahead of Ebonie Floyd.
Lolo Jones will take the fastest qualifying time into today’s semifinals of the women’s 100m hurdles, an effort of 12.59 seconds. Jones, the 2008 World Indoor champion, has been antsy to get on the track and was happy to finally get going.
“I’ve been trying to stay calm, but I’ve been out here for what seems like two weeks,” she said. “I started snapping on people three or four days ago. My poor coach and training partner, they’re like, ‘She just needs to run.’ The night before I was actually calmer than three nights ago. I’m used to the night before. I’m not used to a whole week.”
Kellie Wells and Joanna Hayes won the other two heats in times of 12.82 and 12.65, respectively.
“I’m feeling pretty confident,” Hayes said about the final. “Neither one (of the races today) felt that hard so I feel comfortable about tomorrow.”
Two-time world champion Michelle Perry ran in her first two hurdle races of the year after dealing with a hamstring injury and advanced to the semifinals with a fourth-place finish in her heat. She said the injury, which she suffered in May, is almost healed, but that she’s still trying to get back to full strength.
“You lose so much when you’re treating an injury,” she said. “I haven’t been on the track.”
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