Burton leads the way

SIX Jamaicans, led by former St Andrew High and Camperdown High sprint hurdler Rushelle Burton, are through to Saturday's finals following semi-final action on Thursday night at the  NCAA Division 1 Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
 

Burton, competing for the University of Texas, Austin, got the better of another Jamaican, Janeek Brown, to win semi-final three in 12.77 seconds to advance as the third fastest qualifier.  University of Arkansas' Brown clocked 12.80 and advanced with the fourth fastest time.

    World leader Jasmine-Camacho Quinn, representing the University of Kentucky, is the fastest qualifier with 12.54. 

Former St Jago High athlete Natalliah Whyte and Wolmer's Girls past student Jonielle Smith, both representing the University of Auburn, are through to the women's 100m final.
 

Competing in semi-final three, both athletes clocked 11.11 seconds in a close finish for second and third, with Whyte just edging out her teammate.  Aleia Hobbs of Louisiana State University won in 10.91 to be the fastest qualifier.

The other Jamaicans advancing to finals are 400m runner Sharika Barnett and Renae McKenzie in the 400m hurdles.

 University of Florida's Barnett was second in her semi-final in 51.67. Her time was fifth fastest. McKenzie of Kansas State University was second in her semi-final in 57.43 seconds. Her time was sixth best overall.