MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Filipino-American trackster Eric Crayqualified for the semifinals of the men's 400m hurdles in the 2016 Summer Olympics on Monday, August 15 in Rio de Janeiro Brazil.
The 27-year-old Cray, born to a Filipina mother in Olongapo City and an American father but raised in Texas, finished third in heat 4 of round 1 of competition with a time of 49.05 seconds. His personal best time is 48.98 seconds. The top 3 finishers of each of the 6 heats will advance to the semifinals along with the next 6 fastest runners.
The two-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, who was feeling confident coming into the race, will run the semifinals on Wednesday, August 17. The final, should he make it, will be on Thursday, August 18.
Aside from Cray, there are only two other Filipinos left in contention at Rio with long jumper Marestella Torres-Sunang set to compete on Wednesday, and taekwondo jin Kirstie Alora taking the mat Saturday for the 67kg Round of 16.
Only weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz has put the Philippines on the medal table with a silver for the country's very first Olympic hardware in 20 years.
Below is the full list of semifinalists for men's 400m hurdles
Screengrab from Rio Olympics website
– Rappler.com
Author: Jane Bracher
