July 20, 2010
MONCTON, Canada - Rising sophomore Evonne Britton (El Paso, Texas) proved she can hold her own on the world's stage on Tuesday, advancing through the initial round of the 100-meter hurdles at the IAAF World Junior Championships at Moncton 2010 Stadium. Britton will get a chance to race again, competing in the semi-final round of the short hurdles, set for Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., EDT.
The El Paso, Texas, native, who recently completed an outstanding freshman campaign for the NIttany Lions, clocked 13.57 to narrowly take second in her prelim heat behind Nooralotta Neziri of Finland, who cleared the 10-hurdle race in 13.54. Britton's place finish was good for one of three automatic-qualifying spots from each of four opening-round heats. Britton's effort of 13.57 is the third-fastest performance of her young career, just off her PR of 13.37, which was the fifth-best seed mark coming into the competition.
Germany's Jenna Pletch posted the top mark in qualifying at 13.37, while Britton's United States teammate Donique Flemings, who runs collegiately at Texas A&M, also advanced to the semi-final, clocking 13.50 to win her section.
Britton is also set to compete in the 400-meter hurdles, which are slated to begin on Thursday.
For results from Britton's semi-final race on Wednesday evening, log on to www.GoPSUsports.com.