The Serve

Rawlinson favourite for final

Jana Rawlinson once again blitzed the field in the 400 hurdles at the world athletics champions, winning her semi final in such comfort she could afford to ease to the line.

Rawlinson clocked 53.57, her second quickest time since becoming a mother eight months ago. The next best time in the semi’s was 53.82 by Russia’s Yulina Pechonkina, the current world record holder.

“That’s a good start and I’ve got to find another half-second or so in the final,” 2003 champion Rawlinson said.

“I’m feeling very strong, I’ve actually never felt this strong before.”