Tim Benjamin lifted British gloom on the track as he advanced to Friday's 400m final at the World Championships. The Welsh 23-year-old battled through pouring rain to finish third in his semi-final, but his time of 45.66 seconds was good enough to advance.
"My aim was to make the final and now I have maybe I can grab a medal," said Benjamin. "I'm chuffed to get through.
Devon's Jo Pavey became just the fourth Briton to reach a final in Helsinki as she qualified for Saturday's 5,000m.
The 31-year-old, who has struggled with injury this season, finished an impressive third in her heat in 14 minutes, 51.49 seconds.
Afterwards she defended the British team's performance at the championships.
Britain have yet to win a medal and are on course for their worst display, with Pavey one of a small number to make a final.
"There are a lot of youngsters on the team after a lot of retirements and absences of people like Kelly Holmes.
"Everyone is giving it the best they possibly can. People are really supportive of each other," she said.
MMIX
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