Ducks Brennan Makes 400 Final at World Junior Championships

Friday will be the last day with two sessions, the first beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the second starting at 6:00 p.m.

Oregon freshman Christian Brennan qualified for the women’s 400-meter final at the 2014 IAAF World Junior Track and Field Championships, advancing on time with a clutch performance, Thursday. Photo Courtesy: goducks.com

(EUGENE, Ore. ) - Oregon freshman Christian Brennan qualified for the women’s 400-meter final at the 2014 IAAF World Junior Track and Field Championships, advancing on time with a clutch performance, Thursday.

Brennan was slated in lane eight of the third and final heat of the semifinal round, with the top two in each heat, plus the next two fastest times, advancing.

Heading into that third heat, the fastest two time qualifiers were tied at 54.06, a mark Brennan would have to break, or finish either first or second among her group of competitors.

But as Brennan toed the start line, her focus was narrowed.

“I kind of tried to keep it all out of my head,” she said. “I just tried to relax and keep the race plan that Coach Johnson gave me and just execute that.”

The Canadian finished third in her heat, the fastest of the three, and crossed the finish line in 53.81, securing a spot in Friday’s final, which will be contested at 8:30 p.m.

“I’m really excited,” she said. “I’m just trying to get to the final and from there, just do what I can.”

Cole Walsh, who had a fantastic USATF Junior Championships meet and was crowned the U.S. Champion, was eliminated in the qualification round of the pole vault during the morning session after clearing 5.00m.

Friday will be the last day with two sessions, the first beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the second starting at 6:00 p.m.

Source: goducks.com