The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

BEIJING, China — Michael Mathieu opted not to run the 200 metres to concentrate on the 400 because he felt he was running much better in the latter event going into the 15th IAAF World Championships.

His decision almost cost him a spot in the semi-final after he placed fourth in his heat in the first round during Sunday’s morning session at the Bird’s Nest for 20th place overall.

“I felt flat, but I wanted to make it back,” said Mathieu of his performance to begin Team Bahamas’ appearance on day two of the week-long championships. “I was in lane two, so coming off the curve, I was just trying to go for it.”

After watching the first three heats, Mathieu said he knew that it would have taken a pretty good time to move on.

“Those guys have ran some extremely fast times, unbelievable for the heats,” he said. “I think I just need to get out a little quicker than I’m used to.”

Despite the fact that he didn’t qualify with one of the three automatic times in his heat, Mathieu said he was still pleased with his effort.

“In 2008 when I was here, I ran 45.2 in the heats, so it was good to improve on that. But the track felt pretty fast out there. I just didn’t want to run too fast too early.”

Mathieu, 31, will get a chance to redeem himself when he competes in the semi-final today, running out of lane three in the last of three heats that will include defending champion LaShawn Merritt in lane six and Wayde Van Niekerk of the Republic of South Africa in seven.

Mathieu, with a season’s best of 45.00, will be attempting to advance to the final as one of the first three in his heat or the next two fastest times.