After a nervy wait and some desperate squinting, Alexandra Bell eventually got the news she wanted – she had qualified for the women’s 800m semi-finals on her Olympic debut. 

The Leeds middle-distance runner was in action on the opening morning of the athletics at the Tokyo Olympic Stadium, as she contested the 800m heats. 

With the top three from each race qualifying automatically for the semi-finals, Bell was in a photo finish with Rababe Arafi for third after both athletes crossed the line in 2:00.96 and it was the Moroccan who got the nod. 

They left an anxious wait for the other heats to finish for the Yorkshire native to see if she would progress as one of the six fastest losers and ultimately her time was good enough, not that she could immediately tell. 

“We were just so oblivious, we couldn’t see or hear and I didn’t have my glasses on either to see the screen,” laughed a relieved Bell. 

“The media were talking to me as though they knew I was safe and I was like ‘ooh I still can’t take your word for it until I know!’ 

“It felt amazing out there to be honest with you – I kind of got London vibes out there, like London Stadium vibes. 

“Because we were oblivious to the times going into the races, it was just a case of tracking the leader and just pushing through the line with whatever I had left.  

“It’s such a relief now to get back, get rested, and then go again tomorrow night.” 

In her debut Olympic Games, the 28-year-old will now compete in the semi-finals at 1pm BST on Saturday, looking to upset the odds and reach the final. 

Her journey to Tokyo 2020 certainly hasn’t been smooth, as she initially missed out on selection for the Team GB athletics squad before receiving a call-up when Laura Muir belatedly decided to focus on the 1500m, leaving a slot free over the shorter distance. 

And with the rollercoaster of emotions over the past month, Bell is just enjoying the Olympic experience – even if the lack of spectators due to Covid protocols in Tokyo makes it an unusual Games.  

“I am delighted – this last month has been crazy, obviously not knowing if I was coming, feeling the lowest of the lows and then on the highest of the highs,” added Bell, who is able to train full-time and benefit from world class facilities, technology, coaching and support teams thanks to National Lottery funding – which has never been more important in getting her to the start line after a turbulent year.

“I appreciate any race now! 

“Last season I was fortunate to get a few races in, so I got a good feel of what empty stands would feel like, so I have that experience to help now as well.” 

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