Caitlyn Bobb narrowly misses out on 400 metres qualification
Caitlyn Bobb conceded her disappointment after narrowly missing out on qualifying for the semi-finals of the 400 metres at the Commonwealth Games.
Competing in the fourth and final heat, the 19-year-old finished fourth in 53.97sec, agonisingly missing out on a top-three finish and automatic qualification.
She was beaten to the final spot in the next round by Leni Shida, of Uganda, who crossed the line in 53.65.
To add further frustration, had Bobb run anywhere close to her personal best of 51.84, she would have progressed, with only 11 of the 16 qualifiers running inside 53 seconds.
Victoria Ohuruogu, of England, who won bronze this summer as a member of the British women's 4 x 400 relay team at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, posted the fastest time of the morning session at 51.34.
“I would say the race went OK,” said Bobb, who was born in the United States to Bermudian mother Dawnnette Douglas, a sprinter herself, who represented the island at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain.
“I gave it my all, so I can’t really have any complaints.”
Despite her disappointment, Bobb took positives from the experience of her debut at this level and the opportunity to compete among a stellar field including Ohuruogu, Kyra Constantine, of Canada, Sada Williams, of Barbados, and England’s Jodie Williams.
“It is definitely another level and I’m working my way up to there,” she added. “I’m 19 years old and in my first Games, so I’m just taking it one race at a time.
“[53.97] was a terrible time for me, but I have to remember that it is a long season, so I’m not too upset.
“It's definitely a learning curve. They are great competitors and so I thank them for pushing me.”
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