By Sam Tonks
There aren’t many evening sessions in an IAAF World Athletic Championships that start with a solo time-trial. Day Six began with Isaac Makwala showing his class to progress to the 200m semi-finals later in the night, it wouldn’t be the end of his championships just yet. But proceeding him was the home crowd’s favourite.
Mo Farah made his anticipated return to London Stadium in the heats of the 5,000m and along with Andy Butchart, made it into Saturday’s final.
Whilst Butchart enters his first world championship final, it’s Farah’s last in what is set to be a historic and emotional evening.
Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake replicated their achievements with qualification into the 200m final, in a fastest loser spot. Fellow Brits Zharnel Hughes and Danny Talbot weren’t quick enough, someone who was, was Makwala.
Following yesterday’s controversy, Makwala was a man on a mission and follows Mitchell-Blake into the final, along with 400m champion Wade Van Niekerk.
“The crowd reception was amazing, they got me to believe,†said Makwala.
The Brit edged former 100m world champion, Yohan Blake as a fastest loser and also was blown away by the home crowds support.
“It’s been sensational, I really appreciate it,†he said.
“He’s (Makwala) one of the toughest guys in the sport and he deserves to be in the final,†he added.
In a successful night for Team GB, Lorraine Ugen was third best in Long Jump qualification, progressing into her final on Friday.
Nick Miller only needed one attempt in the Hammer throw, at 75.52m, to automatically secure a final spot.
Elsewhere, Karsten Worholm stunned Olympic champion Kerron Clement to win Norway’s first world championship gold in the 400m hurdles. Clement had to settle for bronze, with Turkey’s Yasmani Copello beating him to silver.
Alyson Felix couldn't reach the magic 10 world titles as team-mate Phyllis Francis stormed to gold in a personal best time of 49.92. Olympic champion, Shaunae Miller-Uibo was leading until a disastrous last 50m dropped her out of the medals.
