TOKYO, Japan ‑ For the second straight Olympics, Steven Gardiner is into the semifinals of the men’s 400 meters (m), and this time, he has Alonzo Russell joining him.

Both Bahamians booked their ticket into the semifinals of that event at the Tokyo Olympic Games at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday morning.

World Champion Gardiner looked comfortable, winning his opening round heat in 45.05 seconds, and qualified for the semis with the seventh fastest time. Running out of lane two in the fifth of six semifinal heats, Gardiner quickly made up the stagger on the rest of the field, came off the second curve in first place and coasted to the finish line.

“It was hot out there today but I managed to hold it together and then just shut it down bringing it home,” he said. “I feel good. I am in shape. I put down some crazy workouts in training camp and it’s all about putting it together in the race. Let the magic begin!”

Gardiner spent a week training in Athens, Greece, prior to the start of the Olympics, and said he feels that it put him in a space that he needs to be in to pursue an Olympic title here in Tokyo. He’s one of the favorites for the Olympic title.

World record holder Wayde van Niekerk, of South Africa, looks beatable, finishing third in his opening round heat and qualifying for the semis with the 12th fastest time, 45.25 seconds.

U.S. Champion Michael Norman was not overly impressive, finishing second in his opening round heat in 45.35 seconds and qualifying for the semis with the 14th fastest time.

Coming into the Olympics, Van Niekerk, Gardiner and Norman were the event favorites.

Gardiner said he’s looking forward to the semifinals and doing what he needs to do to get into the final. He along with his coach, American Gary Evans, are putting together what they hope will be an effective race strategy.

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