Monday, August 18, 2008
From staff and wire reports
BEIJING — Jeremy Wariner began his defense of the Olympic 400-meter title by winning his opening heat early today.
The former Baylor standout clocked a time of 45.23. Wariner’s chief rival, fellow American LaShawn Merritt, also won his heat in a time of 44.96.
Both built big leads and were able to jog home to win.
The pair of U.S. sprinters finished 1-2 at the 2007 world championships and own the year’s two best times in the one-lap test of speed and endurance. Wariner has said he intends to break the world record of 43.18 set at the 1999 world championships by Michael Johnson — who now serves as Wariner’s manager.
David Neville, the other American in the field, also advanced, in a time of 45.22.
Christopher Brown of the Bahamas had the top time overall (44.79).
The semifinals will start at 8:59 a.m. CDT Tuesday.
On the women’s side, Sanya Richards, who trains in Waco under Baylor director of track and field Clyde Hart, was the top qualifier for the 400 final.
She left everyone in her semifinal well behind by the halfway mark and coasted home in 49.90 seconds, the fastest time by nearly a quarter-second in any of the three heats.
Americans Dee Dee Trotter and Mary Wineberg failed to advance.
Christine Ohuruogu of Great Britain had the second-fastest qualifying time (50.14), followed by Shericka Williams of Jamaica (50.28).
THE ROAD FOR 400 GOLD
FOR JEREMY WARINER
Semifinals: 8:59 a.m. CDT Tuesday
Final: 8:20 a.m. CDT Thursday
FOR SANYA RICHARDS
Final: 9:10 a.m. CDT Tuesday
* Find out the results as they happen on our Breaking News Blog at wacotrib.com.
Commenting is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F, except on Tuesday when it's open until 9 p.m.
Post a comment
*HTML not allowed in comments. Your e-mail address is required.