Williams over the moon after breaking 50-second barrier

Stacey-Ann Williams smashed the 50-second barrier for the first time in her career to lead a triumphant trio of Jamaicans through the 400m heats on day two of the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

In the immediate wake of all but one of the men qualifying for Tuesday’s semi-finals, Williams, Nickisha Pryce and Dejanea Oakley took inspiration to also progress.

Williams followed medal favourite Salwa Eid Naser home in a time of 49.59, knocking a massive 0.49 of a second off of her lifetime best and came through the post-race mixed zone predictably buoyant, saying:

“Today was just executing what I have practised in training and proving to myself and all my supporters that I can break 50 seconds.

“I’ve been on the bubble for ages and have finally made it there.

“Now I feel that the sky is the limit, and I’m happy that my teammates are also in.”

Pryce also dipped below 50 seconds in winning the fourth of the six qualifiers as she bids to wipe away the bitter memories from the Paris Olympics last year.

Championship debutant Oakley, the youngest of the three at just 21, was understandably like a child opening her presents at Christmas and reflected:

“Everything has been excellent since going to the mixed relays, where I was nervous and shaking with it being in such a big stadium with so many people in the stands.

“That prepared me for coming out tonight, as I was a little bit more prepared going into the race.

“It was a little bit terrifying, but Nickisha, especially, has been there since we went to The Bahamas, guiding me and showing me.

“Nickisha and all of the coaches have been there for me - pushing me as they understand that I’m young, and so it’s all new to me.

“I am happy but also excited to see what I can now do in the next round … .”