CARYS McAulay has qualified for the IAAF World Youth Championships women’s 800m final in Colombia.

The 17-year-old finished third in her semi-final heat on day three in Cali with a time of 2:08:70, which was also third fastest overall.

The Warrington Athletics Club runner, ranked seventh in the world for her age, will race in the final at 10.05pm on Sunday.

McAulay held the inside line after getting boxed in from 300m in – two athletes fell at 350m but the Warrington athlete kept patient and comfortably qualified for the final.

She said: "I got a bit worried because I got completely boxed in and someone tripped and fell.

"Everyone seemed to back off then but I knew I had to keep focused and do what I needed to do – I just wanted to qualify for that final. I knew I could get through (using the inside line)."

She added: "I just want to do the best I can in the final and try for a podium placing but to reach a final, a world final is just brilliant. "

 


 

Clubmate Harriet Knowles-Jones is set to race in the women’s 1,500m final at 01.35am tomorrow morning.