Three Aussies through in 1500m

Former world championships finalist Zoe Buckman has led three Australian women into the 1500m semi-finals on day one of the athletics program at the Rio Olympics.

Buckman was sixth in the quickest of the three heats in four minutes 06.93 seconds.

"I came back from injury, had a slow start to the season and wasn't even sure if I'd make it to the Olympics and now here I am and I'm through the first round," said Buckman.

The 27-year-old Buckman's career highlight came at the 2013 world titles in Moscow where she finished seventh in the 1500m.

Olympic debutantes Linden Hall and Jenny Blundell also advanced to the semi-finals on Sunday (Monday morning AEST).