Makwala rekindles medal hopes

The African 400m record holder finished first in the second semi-final with a time of 44.11. Makwala started the race in unfavourable lane nine, but his powerful start and being resolute throughout the entire race was enough to hand him top spot.

Before the gun went, Makwala pointed downwards in what was interpreted as a message to say he is in Beijing to stay. Indeed, he kept his promise and after the race Makwala got down to the track to perform some push-ups to show his opponents that he was pumped up for the final. Makwala’s breakthrough came less than a day after Amos failed to qualify for the 800m finals. All hopes will be on Makwala now that Amos is out, but he will face tough competition in the final.