Aug. 4, 2012
LONDON - Former Nittany Lion standout Bridget Franek made the best of her opportunity on the world's greatest stage, qualifying for the women's 3,000-meter steeplechase final at the 2012 Olympic Games, thanks to an outstanding performance in Saturday's preliminary round at Olympic Stadium. Fellow Penn State graduate Shana Cox also competed, placing seventh in her section of women's 400-meter semi-final.
Franek clocked a superb showing of 9:29.86 in her preliminary heat, which was good for one of 15 qualifying spots in Monday's event final. Franek, who currently trains with the Oregon Track Club in Eugene, Ore., has been on fire in London over the past several weeks, clocking a personal-best 9:29.53 during the London Diamond League last month. The Hiram, Ohio , native and 2010 NCAA Champion in the steeplechase will be one of two United States representatives in the event final, along with Emma Coburn, who competed collegiately at Colorado. Ethiopia's Hiwot Ayalew was the top performer in qualifying, running 9:24.01.
Cox, who is representing Great Britain in the 2012 Games, wrapped up her individual program in the 400 semi-final, placing seventh in her section with a finishing time of 52.58. The 2008 graduate - as well as the 2008 NCAA quarter mile champion - made her way to the semi after a solid performance in Friday's prelims, clocking 52.01 for third in her section. Cox, who was a member of Great Britain's winning 4x400-meter relay at the 2012 IAAF World Indoor Championships, is also in line for a spot on her country's Olympic relay, which is set to compete in rounds at 2:10 p.m., EST, on Friday.
Franek will be back on the track on Monday, with the steeplechase final set for 4:05 p.m., EDT, in London. She won't be the only Nittany Lion in action on Monday, as rising junior Kirsten Nieuwendam (Parimaribo, Suriname) is slated to compete for her home country of Suriname in the 200 meters. Prelims of the 200 are scheduled for 2:20 p.m., EDT, on August 6.
Live coverage of the 2012 Olympic Games is available to most cable subscribers at www.NBCOlympics.com. For more on Nittany Lion track and field in London, log on to www.GoPSUsports.com, or follow on Twitter (@PennStateTFXC).