Naser Books Tokyo 400m Final

Bahrain’s sprint star targets gold at World Championships

Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser comfortably secured her place in the women’s 400 metres final at the World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo after a fantastic semi-final performance. Across the three heats, the first two athletes in each heat (Q) plus the two fastest times (q) advanced to the final.

- Heat 1: Natalia Bukowiecka (POL) 49.67 Q, Marileidy Paulino (DOM) 49.82 Q

- Heat 2: Salwa Eid Naser (BRN) 49.47 Q, Roxana Gómez (CUB) 49.78 Q

- Heat 3: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA) 48.29 Q, Amber Anning (GBR) 49.38 Q

Naser’s 49.47s in Heat 2 not only secured automatic qualification but also placed her among the fastest overall. The 400m final is scheduled for tomorrow at 4:24 PM Bahrain time.

Yavi, Cherotich Renew Rivalry

Meanwhile, Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi, reigning world and Olympic champion, is set for the women’s 3,000m steeplechase final today at 3:37 PM Bahrain time. She will face Kenya’s Olympic bronze medalist Faith Cherotich, who has consistently pushed Yavi in Diamond League contests and other international meets this season.

On Monday, Yavi, Cherotich, and Ugandan Olympic gold medallist Peruth Chemutai all won their heats to book spots in Tokyo’s final. Cherotich, nicknamed “Small Faith” for her explosive racing style, won Heat 1 in 9:13.95, edging former world champion Norah Jeruto. Last month at the Oslo Diamond League, Cherotich out-kicked Yavi to a world-leading 9:02.60, with Yavi second in 9:02.76.