The women of Team GB’s 4x400m relay team safely made it through to the Olympic final with minimal fuss tonight.

Running in the second heat, the quartet of Shana Cox, Lee McConnell, Eilidh Child and Christine Ohuruogu safely negotiated their way round the track to finish in a season’s best time of 3.25.05.

They crossed the line third behind the United States and Russia and picked up the third quickest time across the two heats to seal an automatic qualification spot for the final.

The group will now return to the Olympic Stadium tomorrow night and were pleased with the shift they put in.

Speaking on her leg, Woodford Green with Essex Ladies’ Cox explained: “The first leg was good. I was happy with it.

“I just tried to put myself in a good position for Lee and the rest of my team mates. I think it went pretty well.”

Shaftesbury Barnet Harrier McConnell continued: “I enjoyed it. It was my first time on the second leg so it was a new experience.

“There was a little bit of barging to get into the bend but it was good fun. I held my position so I can’t complain.”

And on the prospect of a medal, she added: “We always knew America, Russia and Jamaica would be very strong. If we can stick in there and do our best then hopefully we’ll be in there fighting.

“The 4x400m can always be pretty messy and a little bit unpredictable so if we run a good race we can hopefully take our chance.”