The reigning world champion kept his patience after a blistering start from American Michael Norman – who ultimately placed fifth – and surged through the homestretch to finish in 43.85.

The action on Day 13 of the Tokyo Games will feature track and field, with medals in the men’s 400-meter final, the men’s and women’s 4x100 relays and the women’s 400 meters.

Defending champion and world-record holder Wayde van Niekerk of South Africa crashed out, finishing fifth in the third semifinal.