Nugent advances to World 100m hurdles final, Šutej fourth again in pole vault

BUDAPEST, Hungary – Razorback hurdler Ackera Nugent advanced to the 100m hurdles final in the World Athletics Championships while alum Tina Šutej placed fourth in the pole vault final at the National Athletics Center on Wednesday evening.

“We made a little adjustment from yesterday and Coach Johnson said it was game time and I need to stay focused,” said Nugent. “At the end of the day we made it through and finished strong.”

Thursday’s final will be held at 9:25 p.m. (CET) just before Shamier Little races in the 400m hurdles final at 9:50 p.m.

In the pole vault, Arkansas alum Tina Šutej improved her outdoor national record to 15-9 (4.80) in placing fourth for the second consecutive year at the World Championships.

“I’ve been jumping well, but I didn’t win a medal so I’m not fully satisfied even if it’s a national (outdoor) record,” noted Šutej. The second attempt at 15-11 (4.85) was a great one, but unfortunately it was a fault.”

Alum Sandi Morris finished seventh with a 15-3 (4.65) clearance. There was a tie for first place at 16-0.75 (4.90) between American Katie Moon and Australian Nina Kennedy.

“It’s bitter-sweet,” said Morris. “I’ve been strong and healthy on the runway the whole season. Today, I realized too late that I was too short poles, but by then I was out of the competition. Still, I’m healthy, with a positive mindset. My season has been rough. I’ll try to finish it more strongly in the next couple of competitions.”

Nugent repeated her 12.60 time from the prelims as she raced in the second of three heats, finishing second to world record holder Tobi Amusan of Nigeria, who won the heat in 12.56 into a 0.7 headwind. Finishing third in the heat at 12.62 was Netherland’s Nadine Visser.

“That shows that something big is coming,” stated Nugent on running 12.60 again. “It’s a good feeling knowing I have a little snappiness inside of my legs. It has been a really long season, but I’m really excited to be in the final.”

Danielle Williams was another Jamaican reaching the final as she posted a 12.50 to advance on time. The third Jamaican in the semifinal, Megan Tapper, clocked 12.55 in placing fourth in the first heat and didn’t advance on time as both time qualifiers had 12.50 marks.

British hurdler Cindy Sember finished sixth in the first heat with a time of 12.97.

Šutej had one miss in her series before missing three attempts at 15-11 (4.85). Needing a second attempt to get over 15-7 (4.75) was the only difference between Šutej and bronze medalist Wilma Murto of Finland, who also cleared 15-9.

“Being fourth at the World Championships two years in a row makes me sad,” stated Šutej. “I have three more competitions this season. The main focus is to stay healthy and then I believe I could medal at the Olympic Games.”

The previous national outdoor record that Šutej held was 15-7.25 (4.76) while her indoor national record is 15-9.75 (4.82).

Krissy Gear finished seventh in the third heat of the 3,000m steeplechase with a time of 9:30.61. That placed Gear 22nd overall among the 35 finishers over three heats.