There will be no British runner in tonight’s final of the men’s 100 metres race after both the country’s hopes finished fifth in their semi-finals.
Mark Lewis-Francis crashed out of the event after he was unable to recover from a poor start in the first semi and clocked 10.28 seconds, a long way outside his personal best.
The semi-final was won by American Shawn Crawford in 10.07, which was slow in comparison to yesterday’s heats.
Jason Gardener clocked 10.12 seconds, but that was still only good enough to finish just outside the top four of the second semi-final.
Advertisement
He would have placed fourth in the first semi-final by clocking that time.
Jamaica’s Asafa Powell won the second semi and was fastest through to the final in 9.95 seconds.
Defending Olympic champion Maurice Greene was third in his semi in 9.97 seconds and will be joined in the final by his US team-mate Justin Gatlin.
Crawford and his training partner Gatlin eased up 20 metres from the line, both shouting at each other and, after they had crossed the line, cracked their heads together.
“Our coach told us to do it,” said Crawford.
Advertisement
Obadele Thompson of Barbados took the final qualifying place, finishing his semi in 10.22 seconds.
Lewis-Francis said he was disappointed to bow out.
“Obviously I’m upset, I raised my game just to be here but
once again didn’t make the final.
“But I’m not going to be too hard on myself. I’m 21 years old, this is the Olympic Games, the biggest stage I’ve ever performed on in my whole life so obviously the pressure got to me a bit.
“It was a bit nerve-wracking but I’ll go home with a smile on my face. I came here and raised the flag for my country. I’m going home with two season’s bests so I can’t complain.
Advertisement
“Going out in the first or second round I would be embarrassed and ashamed but I made it to the semi-final. Last year nobody was running nine seconds, here they were running nine seconds in the second round.”
Gardener, annoyed at being drawn in lane eight, added: “It’s positive that every race I’m improving so hopefully my next race will be even better and that’s the relay.
“When I looked at the start list yesterday I knew it was going to be very difficult. It’s been a difficult summer but at least I’m getting something positive out of it and for me it’s a big achievement making it to the Olympic Games.”