Hampton's McCorory breezes into semifinals of 400 meters at world track championships

DAEGU, Korea -— "I feel confident, really good," beamed Francena McCorory.

The ex-Bethel High and Hampton University flash had just breezed a lap around Daegu Stadium Saturday night in a slowish 52.18 seconds and was delighted with her effort, nowhere close to her all-time best of 50.29.

Why the happiness?

Because it advanced her into the Sunday night 400-meter semifinals at the 13th World Championships of Track and Field with a minimum of wasted energy. She placed second in her heat to Amantle Montsho of Botswana, who ran 50.95, and thus was one of four Americans cruising into the semis. This is the biggest meet of McCorory's track and field career and she's considered a definite medal prospect.



400m Women Heat 4 WC Athletics Daegu 2011
Amantle Montsho BOT 50.95 Q
Francena McCorory USA 52.18 Q
Lee McConnell GBR 52.75 Q
Maris Mägi EST 52.93 Q
Norma González COL 53.35
Aymeé Martínez CUB 53.67
Ambwene Simukonda MAW 54.81 (NR)

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