Aug. 21, 2004

ATHENS, Greece - Baylor junior Jeremy Wariner (Grand Prairie, Texas) ran a 44.87 to win his heat and post the fastest time of the semifinals in the 400 meters Saturday at Olympic Stadium. Wariner will have his lane choice for Monday's final. Wariner finished ahead of Jamaica's Michael Blackwood, who ran a 45.00 and also advanced to the finals. American teammate Derrick Brew also won his heat in 45.05, while Otis Harris finished second in 44.99 to advance. Gold-medal favorite Alleyne Francique nearly missed the final, finishing third in 45.08. The finals will be held Monday at approximately 2 p.m. CDT; however it will not be televised live. The final can be seen at approximately 8 p.m. CDT Monday on NBC.

Olympic 400 Meter Final QualifiersHeat 1Jeremy Wariner (USA)          44.87Michael Blackwood (Jamaica)   45.00Leslie Dhjone (France)        45.01Heat 2Derrick Brew (USA)            45.05Davian Clarke (Jamaica)       45.27Heat 3Brandon Simpson (Jamaica)     44.97Otis Harris (USA)             44.99Alleyne Francique (Grenada)   45.08