Commonwealth Games 400m hurdles bronze medallist Wiseman Were believes he has what it takes to storm the final of his speciality at the Paris Olympic Games at the Stade de France on Monday.
Were sailed through to the semis despite finishing fifth in what turned out to be the fastest of the three qualifying rounds.
He posted a time of 48.58 in heat 4 won by Jamaican Clarke Roshawn in 48.17.
Nigerian Ezekiel Nathaniel finished second in 48.38, trailed by home boy Wilfried Hippio (48.42) and Italian Alessandro Sibilio (48.43).
Were was content with his time and placing as well as avoiding the tedious repechage.
“I have not made any mistakes today. I ran to my plan. It's just about planning the race while executing tactics and calculations. I will push for a slot in the final," said Were.
“We get better, build day-in day-out and have positive minds as always. That's what drives me. We just need to be real and keep on pushing.”
After avoiding the repechage, a second chance for performers outside the automatic slots to compete for a slot, Were said: “It takes a lot of energy to race in the repechage. "
"Nobody wants to go there since it's quite hot in here. The atmosphere is on another level and you have to deliver when it matters.”
The semifinal is set for Wednesday evening.
