Zazini advances to 400m hurdles semi-finals
Former world junior champion Sokwakhana Zazini got South Africa’s track and field campaign off to a promising start on Friday, progressing to the men’s 400m hurdles semi-finals at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Zazini finished third in his heat in a season’s best of 49.51, with Rai Benjamin of the US winning in 48.60.
Zazini will be in action again this afternoon.
Distance runner Dominique Scott-efurd, the only other SA athlete in action on the opening day of the track and field competition, also set herself a season’s best of 15:13.94 in the women’s 5 000m heats. She was 13th in her race and missed out on a place in the final.
“It was a good day at the office in the men’s 400m hurdles for us on day one. We trust it will build up confidence and inspire those who are yet to begin their competition. The ultimate goal is to reach the finals,” said Athletics SA president James Moloi.