Aug. 28, 2003

USC volunteer assistant coach Allen Johnson, the No. 1 ranked 110m hurdler in the world, clocked a time of 13.42, the fastest of his heat, to advance to Friday’s semifinals. He will be joined by USC alum Terrence Trammell after his time of 13.51 qualified him to advance. Johnson will continue his pursuit of a fourth world title in Friday’s semifinal round.

“The first round is typically not nearly as stressful as the finals or semifinals,” said Johnson. “This was my first race in about three weeks, it felt good. Hopefully I can have a performance similar to what I had a few months ago when I ran 12.97. I’m excited, I’m confident. “

Team USA showed why it is the world’s #1 110-meter hurdling power as four American men advanced to Friday’s semifinals. Johnson (Irmo, S.C. – 13.42), Larry Wade (Canoga Park, Calif. – 13.49) and Chris Phillips (Maumelle, Ark. – 13.26 personal record) all won their quarterfinal races, while Trammell (Columbia, S.C.) overcame a slow start (reaction time .258 seconds) to place third in his heat in 13.51 and automatically advance.

“I noticed all meet that the blocks have been an issue,” said Trammell. “I was a little sluggish coming out, I didn’t expect the gun to be so quick. I got through, made it to the next round and the next one will be a lot better. It took me a minute to get going, that’s all. This is my first meet in a long time. I’ve been battling hamstring injuries. I actually feel healthy. I’m not worried. I expect to make the final and be on the podium.”

Otukile Lekote, a four-time NCAA Champion at USC, placed seventh in his 800m heat. The Botswana native ran a time of 1:48.33 and did not advance.

The IAAF World Championships resume Friday in Paris and continue through Sunday, August 31. ESPN2 will provide television coverage from 2:30-4:30 p.m. ET on Friday. Complete event results and schedules can be found at www.iaaf.org. The site is also linked through the uscsports.com men’s and women’s track pages.