Jamaica’s Men’s 400m Hopes Dashed as Powell Misses Out on Olympic Final
Jamaica’s bid for a spot in the men’s 400m final at the Paris Olympics came to an unfortunate end as Jevaughn Powell finished fourth in his semifinal, clocking 44.91 seconds—just shy of advancing. Despite his determined effort, Powell’s time ranked him 13th overall among the semifinalists, leaving Jamaica without representation in the final.
The race was dominated by Great Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith, who secured his place in the final with a winning time of 44.07 seconds. Close behind was the USA’s Michael Norman, who clocked 44.26 seconds, ensuring his spot in the final.
One of the standout performances of the semifinals came from Grenada’s Kirani James, who led all qualifiers with a scorching 43.78 seconds. This marks a strong return to form for James, one of the most decorated 400m runners in history. With an impressive resume that includes an Olympic gold medal from London 2012, silver from Rio 2016, and bronze from Tokyo 2020, as well as a World Championship gold from 2011, James is poised to be a strong contender for the top podium spot.
The second-fastest qualifier, Michael Norman of the United States, is no stranger to the pressure of big meets. Norman, who has consistently been one of the top 400m runners globally, will be looking to add an Olympic medal to his collection.
Nigeria’s Samuel Ogazi also made a strong showing, finishing third fastest overall with a time of 44.41 seconds. The United States, showcasing their depth in the event, has qualified three athletes for the final, positioning them as strong favorites for the podium.
The men’s 400m final, set for Wednesday, August 7, promises to be a thrilling race, with a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars vying for Olympic glory. As the world watches, the stage is set for a battle of speed, endurance, and tactical brilliance at the Stade de France.
