Lashinda Demus Advances in London
For the first time since 1988 three American men will compete in the high jump fiinal. Reigning World Champion Jesse Williams (Eugene, Ore.) and 21-year-old Erik Kynard (Manhattan, Kan.) tied for third in the qualifying round as they cleared 2.29m/7-6. Jamie Nieto (Chula Vista, Calif.) was close behind, clearing 2.26m/7-5.
Leo Manzano (Austin, Texas) and Matthew Centrowitz (Eugene, Ore.) will represent the U.S. in Tuesday’s final of the men’s 1,500m. Manzano easily qualified in the Sunday’s first semifinal heat, placing fourth in 3:42.94. World Outdoor bronze medalist Centrowitz looked very under control, placing fifth in semifinal 2 for an automatic position with a season-best 3:34.90. Andrew Wheating (Eugene, Ore.) placed ninth in the first semi in 3:44.88 and did not advance.
All three Americans advanced to the semifinals of the women’s 400m hurdles. T’erea Brown (Miami, Fla.) was second in heat 1 in a personal-best time of 54.72. World champion Lashinda Demus(Palmdale, Calif.) ran 54.60 to win heat 3, and Georganne Moline (Tucson, Ariz.) easily won heat 4 in a personal-best time of 54.31.
In the men’s 400m semifinals, Tony McQuay (Gainesville, Fla.) was fourth in heat 2 in 45.31 andBryshon Nellum (Los Angeles, Calif.) was third in heat 3 at 45.02 and did not advance. Except for 1980 when the U.S. boycotted the Games, this is the first time Team USA will not have a man in the 400m final in Olympic history.
Athlete Quote:
Lashinda Demus, 400m Hurdles: “I came in with a plan to execute and follow regular steps to the 8th hurdle which I did. It’s easy to run on this track. Now I’m going to work on the next part. I felt good, I’m excited to run tomorrow.”
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Source: USA Track & Field