Expect fireworks in the latter stages of the men’s 400m after some quick times, and three national records, in the heats of the 2025 World Athletics Championships on Sunday (14 September).
There were six heats with the first three gaining automatic berths in the semi-finals in Tokyo, plus six going through as fastest losers. The United States’ Jacory Patterson cemented his status as gold medal favourite, coasting across the line in 43.90, just outside the 43.85 he ran to win the recent Zurich Diamond League final.
Behind him were Jamaica’s Rusheen McDonald in a season’s best 44.38, and Edoardo Scotti who clocked an Italian national record of 44.45.
Earlier, Olympic silver medallist Matthew Hudson-Smith faded badly in the closing stages to finish fourth in his heat behind Botswana’s Bayapo Ndori. After a nervous wait, his 44.68 was enough to progress, but the Briton will need to improve if he is to make the final. Ahead of him in second was Nakajima Yuki who delighted the crowd with a new Japanese record of 44.44.
World indoor champion Chris Bailey finished strongly to win his heat in 44.49 with Paris 2024 bronze medallist Muzala Samukonga going through in third.
The world’s fastest man this year, South Africa’s Zakithi Nene won his heat in 44.34 from US joint-team captain Vernon Norwood with Attila Molnar setting a new Hungarian record of 44.55 in third.
In the final heat, Khaleb McRae took victory in 44.25 with London 2012 Olympic champion Kirani James needing to rally to secure automatic qualification in third place.
All of the big names made it through in the end, and they will take to the track again for the semi-finals on Tuesday which start at 19:35 local time (10:35 GMT).