Foster, Prince through to 800m finals at SA Championships

Middle-distance runners Andrea Foster and Quamel Prince have managed to secure a final spot in their respective 800m races after impressive performances on day two of the Senior South American Championships in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

On Sunday, Foster, who entered the event as the top-ranked female with a season-best of 2:03.39s, finished second in her heat with a time of 2:07.93s.

Foster went out hard at the start and controlled the race until the final 150 meters where Daniela Squire made a move and distanced herself from the Guyanese. The Argentine won the race in a time of 2:07.44s, while Mayara dos Santos got third with 2:08.00s.

Foster is listed as the fifth fastest of the eight who have qualified for the final, which will occur at 11:50h (Guyana Time) on Monday; Brazil’s Lima Flavia leads with 2:05.70s.

Meanwhile, Prince produced a time of 1:49.10s to finish third in his heat, which was won by Brazilian Thiago André (1:48.30s) and second went to Colombia’s Jhonatan Osorno (1:48.36s).

Guyanese Devaun Barrington had a time of 1:50.99s which meant his fifth-place finish was not quick enough for a place in the final.

Prince might be confident of his chances of a medal since his time is currently the third fastest of the two heats; the final is scheduled for 12:05h.

Additionally, Arinze Chance, who missed out on a podium spot in the 400m, will be in action in the 200m along with Akeem Stuart.

On the first day of the competition, Guyana won three medals – one silver and two bronze – compliments of sprinters Emanuel Archibald, Jasmine Abrams and Jenea McCammon.