By the final straightaway, Brenda Jones was also with Shevtsova and looking fast challenging Willis for the lead.

Suddenly Willis stepped on the curb and fell off the track into the infield.

Shevtsova edged into the lead and dipped at the finish to equal her own world record and take the gold in 2:04.3.

Ursula Donath was the lucky (somewhat unified) German who was a step behind the top three when Willis exited to get the bronze.

The top two runners in each of the four heats (blue) and the next fastest one (pink) advanced to the final round.