Spearmon qualifies in Olympic opener

FAYETTEVILLE – Running in the morning session of Tuesday’s track and field competition in London, Wallace Spearmon, Jr., began his Olympic run with a qualifying effort in the first round of the 200 meters. The former Razorback clinched a spot in Wednesday’s semifinal round of the event. Current Razorback student-athlete Marek Niit also ran in the first round of the 200 meters but did not qualify for the next round.

Making his second appearance at the Olympic Games for Team USA, Spearmon finished second in his heat and seventh overall Tuesday with a first-round time of 20.47. With his top-three heat finish, he qualified automatically for the next round. The semifinal heats are scheduled to begin Wednesday at 2:10 p.m. (CT). Spearmon was the Olympic Trials champion at 200 meters.

Niit clocked a season-best time of 20.82 to finish sixth in heat five and 38th overall. He will not move on to the semifinal. In his first appearance at the Olympics, Niit qualified to compete in both the 100 meter and 200 meters for his native Estonia.

In addition to the semifinal of the 200 meters for Spearmon, Wednesday’s action will also feature another pair of former Razorbacks in Alistair Cragg and Jeremy Scott. Cragg, in his third Olympic appearance, will be running in the first round of the 5,000 meters and Scott will compete in the qualifying round of the pole vault.

To follow Arkansas’ progress in London, follow @RazorbackTF on Twitter or visit the 2012 Olympic Central page at ArkansasRazorbacks.com.

Tuesday Results
200 Meters (first round)
7. Wallace Spearmon, Jr. (USA) – 20.47Q
38. Marek Niit (EST) – 20.82