By Sam Tonks
Day Seven of the IAAF World Athletic Championships see’s one of the unlikely stars of London Stadium, run for his first global medal. Establishing himself as a surprise fan favourite, Bostwana’s Isaac Makwala could complete the most remarkable turn-around with gold tonight.
After he controversially missed the 400m final two nights ago, he was the third fastest to qualify for the 200m final. Alongside 400m champion Wade Van Niekerk, London’s own Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake and fastest qualifier, USA’s Isiah Young, the battle begins at 9:52.
Carrying on the British representation in finals is team captain Elidh Doyle, in the 400m hurdles. A relay medallist at Olympics and World championships level, Doyle can add a global individual honour to her European gold at 9:35.
From the captain to nurturing star, Dina Asher-Smith is in action in the women’s 200m semi-finals at 9:05. The British record-holder ran a season’s best in her heat and was the fourth fastest qualifier, whilst team-mate Bianca Williams joins her as a fastest loser.
They’ll hope to replicate Mitchell-Blake with progression into their respective final, reigning world champion Dafne Schippers and 100m silver medallist Marie-Josee Ta Lou are among the rest of the field.
Britain’s Laura Muir returns to the track to open proceedings at 6:30. Her effort and determination in the 1500m final on Monday didn’t match her result of fourth.
Joined by Elish McColgan and Steph Twell in the 5,000m heats, she aims to go one step closer to that allusive world championship medal.
Elsewhere, USA’s Christian Taylor defends his world triple jump title from 8:20. He was eight centimetres off breaking Jonathan Edwards’ world record in Beijing two years ago, will he end the 22 year-old record in London Stadium tonight?
