Day four was very good for Jamaica with the vast majority of the participants advancing. There were no medals on offer but there were great performances spread all around.

Antonio Watson confirmed that he is now an elite quartermiler by beating some elite members, including the world record holder Wade van Niekirk, in one of the fastest times of the year. Watson, who has been improving his personal record with almost every run, posted an impressive 44.13 in the semifinals of the 400m, the second fastest time ever by a Jamaican. He was not overawed or overburdened by the occasion and will be in good stead in the final on Thursday.

Compatriot Sean Bailey qualified with 44.94 from his semifinal, while Zandrion Barnes was knocked out after producing only 45.38 in his semifinal.

All three participants advanced to semifinals of the 100m hurdles. Ackera Nugent won her heat in 12.60, Danielle Williams ran 12.51 in her heat, the same as Megan Tapper in her heat. Jamaica’s lone male representative in the 800m Navasky Anderson, was disqualified in heats.

Jamaica will have three women in the 400m hurdles final on Thursday. Rushell Clayton posted 53.30 to win her heat, with Andrenette Knight 53.69, and Jenieve Russell 53.72 made the cut.