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James Wins 400-Meter Semifinal Heat to Advance at the Olympics Former UA star posts the second fastest semifinal time of the day to advance to the finals.
Kirani James blazed through his first two qualifying heats at the Olympics.

Kirani James blazed through his first two qualifying heats at the Olympics.

Aug. 5, 2012

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LONDON -

Former University of Alabama track and field star Kirani James continued to impress at the London Olympic games by easily winning his 400-meter semifinal heat Sunday evening at the Olympic Stadium.

James, representing his native Grenada, coasted through the finish to record a season-best time of 44.59. His time ended up being the second fastest in the three semifinal heats as the 19-year-old appeared extremely smooth and poised throughout his race.

James, the reigning World Champion in the event, will run in lane five of Monday's final at 3:30 p.m. CDT. Of the nine competitors in the final field, he owns the fastest personal best at 44.36 and the fourth fastest time this season.

Should James earn himself a spot on the podium Monday, he would be Grenada's first Olympic medalist and the fourth former UA male track athlete to medal at the Olympics.