Ellie Beer breaks down in tears in raw TV interview; Reece Holder snares semi-final ticket
TOKYO: Australian 400-metre runner Ellie Beer broke down in tears in a raw interview on live TV at the world athletics championships on Sunday night, shattered after being bundled out in the heats at Japan National Stadium.
But Australia will be represented by Reece Holder in the semi-finals of the men's 400m after the 23-year-old advanced with an aggressive and gutsy heat run in Tokyo.
Holder took off like a greyhound in his heat, and although the Brisbane sprinter faded on the home straight, he gritted his teeth and willed himself over the line in second place to claw a semi-final spot.
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He needed to finish in the top three to secure automatic qualification for the semi-finals.
For much of the race, Darren Clark's long-standing national record appeared in severe danger, but the 44.38-second run Clark produced at the Seoul 1988 Olympics will survive for at least another two days.
Holder clocked 44.54 seconds.
His personal best, set at the Paris 2024 Olympics, remains 44.53 seconds.
"That was a good run," Holder, who will compete in the semi-finals on Tuesday night, told Nine's David Culbert.
"I'm very happy with it, except for the little mishap at the end, but that's racing."
Watch the 2025 World Athletics Championships live and free on Nine and 9Now.
With his mop of dreadlocks flapping behind him, Holder steamed into the home straight leading his closest chasers by several metres.
He began to fade with about 50 metres to go, and an American, a Zimbabwean and a Briton were gaining on him fast, but with his tired arms flailing around he completed the task.
"I feel like I've got a lot more to give," Holder said.
"I'll be happy to get back out there in a few days and see what happens."
From left to right: Muzala Samukonga, Reece Holder and Kevin Kipkorir in action in the heats. Getty
Beer was last over the line in her heat.
Her personal best is 51.30 seconds; she clocked 52.31 in Tokyo.
"I'm definitely a bit sad about it. I would have loved to make the semis," Beer said on Nine, speaking through tears.
"I feel like I'm forever learning how to run a 400m. I would say my own worst challenge is myself. It just wasn't the race today.
"I actually went into it really confidently, really relaxed, and [I had] the mentality of just going out there and having fun and embracing the moment. It just wasn't there today.
"To be honest with you, it's getting a bit frustrating. I feel like after every race I'm just disappointed, to be honest."
Ellie Beer (far right) competing in the heats. Getty
The two-time Olympian vowed to keep persisting.
"I know I'm placing a lot of value on running a sub-51, and I am putting a lot of pressure on myself to run that one day," Beer said.
"I was hoping today [would be the day], but ... you've got to be patient, and I know the time will come."
