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BEIJING - The first day of competition at the World Championships proved to be successful not only for the favorites in each event, but also for the dark horses as 18 Americans advanced in their respective events out of the first round. 

The prelims of the men’s 100m got off to a roaring start with four Americans, Justin Gatlin (9.83), Tyson Gay (10.11), Trayvon Bromell (9.91) and Mike Rodgers (9.97), advancing to tomorrow morning’s semi-final. To set the tone for the championship’s most anticipated match-up, Gatlin and Usain Bolt both won their heats, with Gatlin making the most noise of the evening. 

His time of 9.83 would be the fastest first round time from any World Championship, but had a slight illegal tailwind (+2.1). Bolt then ran 9.96 to nip Rodgers in the final section of the evening. In the mix zone, Bolt said he wasn’t thinking about running fast, just getting through the rounds. Understandable, but Gatlin may have been doing the same. The 2015 world leader looked very comfortable running 9.83. 

USC NCAA Champion Andre De Grasse also advanced after finishing second in heat five in 9.99. At just 20-years-old, De Grasse and Bromell have solidified themselves as medal contenders in the championships.

Unfortunately, Olympic bronze medalist and world leader Bershawn Jackson failed to make it out of the first round of the 400mH when he stumbled before the final hurdle in heat four. The “Batman” was competing on the 10th anniversary of winning the 400m hurdles at the 2005 World Championships in Helsinki when he won the event at just 22-years-old. WATCH RACE HERE.

Although Jackson didn’t advance, three American men will be representing Team USA in the final Kerron Clement, Michael Tinsley and Johnny Dutch all automatically advancing in their respective heats. Beijing is the site of the Americans (Angelo Taylor, Clement and Jackson) capturing gold, silver and bronze in this event at the 2008 Olympics.

In the women's shot put, Michelle Carter won the bronze medal for the U.S., the first medal of the championships, with a throw of 19.76m. Germany's Christina Schwanitz won in 20.37m. The medal is only the second ever won by an American woman in this event.

Day 1 Morning Session

Olympic finalists Evan Jager and Donn Cabral, and three-time World Team member Dan Huling all advanced to the final as a strong American contingent in the steeplechase. The performances marked the first time three American men have advanced to a World Championships final in the steeplechase. 

 

Evan Jager got Team USA off to a great start by finishing second in the very tactical first heat. His time of 8:41.51 set the tone for his Bowerman TC teammate Huling to advance on time out of heat three. Huling’s time of 8:25.34 was good for fifth-place in heat three and the second-fastest time qualifier. 

Jager spoke on his chances at a World Championship medal and trading jerseys with Colombian steeplechaser Gerald Giraldo who said Jager was his "favorite steeplechaser of all time."

Evan Jager Through To Final After "Stressful" Steeple Prelim, Needs "Perfect Race" To Win Gold: 

Cabral finished third in heat two in 8:27.33 to secure his spot. Jager and Cabral both made the final in this event at the 2012 London Olympics. The performance will be Huling’s first World Championship final.