British duo Shana Cox and Lee McConnell both progressed to the semi finals of the 400m this afternoon following good runs in the Olympic Stadium.

Woodford Green with Essex Ladies competitor Cox ran in Heat Two and finished third in a time of 52.01, following just behind Botswana’s Amantle Montsho (50.40) and Christine Day (51.05) of Jamaica.

And McConnell from Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers joined her team-mate in progressing when she ran a 52.23 in Heat Five, making it a trio of British athletes in the semi finals after Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu (50.80) advanced from Heat One.

Speaking after her race, McConnell said she felt strong ahead of tomorrow’s semi final.

“I am feeling happy with that race. It felt good. It was nice to run in front of that crowd and I got a great reception which was wonderful,” she explained.

“I feel quite strong so hopefully I can go faster and run a season’s best tomorrow.”

She added: “The atmosphere does really help. There is massive crowd support and I think the British athletes have been delivering this morning and that is partly thanks to the crowd.”