‘No pressure,’ says Goule after 800m stroll

DOHA, Qatar — Jamaica’s lone entrant in the women’s 800m Natoya Goule safely navigated her way to the semi-final with a relaxed-looking win yesterday at Khalifa International Stadium.

Goule, 28, won her heat in 2:01.01 minutes with a bold, controlled, front-running display with splits of 59.99 seconds for the first 400m, 1:30.81 minutes for 600m before coming home, looking at the big screen, well in control.

Goule won ahead of Ce’aira Brown of the United States of America (USA) who was second in 2:01.14 minutes. Noelie Yarigo of Benin grabbed third in 2:01.19 minutes.

Goule’s time was the second fastest heading into today’s semi-final, and she was pleased.

“Today was extremely wonderful; I went out there to make it to the final and win the heat and I did just that,” said the diminutive but stout-hearted Goule.

Despite the humid conditions, Goule looked good and a medal is not beyond the Pan American Games champion.

“I stay indoor whenever I am not racing and now racing on the track, it feels really good because I was here in May and it was extremely cold, but today was perfect,” she said.

With no Caster Semenya and Margaret Wambui present, Goule’s chances of capturing a medal at

the highest level has increased significantly.

But she will have to contend with American favourite Ajee Wilson, who was most impressive when winning heat one in 2:02.10 minutes ahead of Halimah Nakaayi of Uganda in second with 2:02.33 minutes. Wilson’s time makes her the 11th fastest entering the semi-final.

Winnie Nanyondo of Uganda was the quickest into the final after capturing heat three in 2:00.36 minutes.

Goule is drawn in semi-final three scheduled to start at 11:15 am. Wilson is drawn in semi-final two.

“I have to talk to my coach and see what’s his plan for me. I can’t really say right now. But definitely no pressure,” said Goule.