Spearmon second-fastest qualifier for final

FAYETTEVILLE – Wallace Spearmon, Jr., will run for gold at 200 meters after qualifying for the event final Wednesday during the semifinal round at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. The former Razorback finished second in his heat and second overall with a time of 20.02, securing an automatic spot in Thursday’s final. In other action Wednesday, former Razorbacks Alistair Cragg and Jeremy Scott competed in the qualifying rounds of the 5,000 meters and pole vault, respectively.

Spearmon will be making his second appearance in the Olympic 200-meter final, having also advanced to the gold-medal race in 2008 in Beijing. He has a season-best time of 19.95 and qualified for the Olympics with a victory at the USA Olympic Trials in June. Spearmon and the rest of the field will line up for the 200-meter final Thursday at 2:55 p.m. (CT).

Representing his native Ireland, Cragg finished 17th in heat two and 31st overall with a first-round time of 13:47.01 but did not advance to the event final. Scott, in his first Olympic appearance, finished in 15th place with a final clearance of 5.50m/18-0.5. He was one of nine to exit the competition at that height but with more misses throughout the day, Scott did not advance to the event final.

Event qualifying for the relays begins Thursday with Tyson Gay, fourth-place at 100 meters in London, scheduled to be part of the 4x100-meter relay for Team USA. To follow Arkansas’ progress in London, follow @RazorbackTF on Twitter or visit the 2012 Olympic Central page at ArkansasRazorbacks.com.

Wednesday Results
200 Meters (semifinals)
2. Wallace Spearmon, Jr. (USA) – 20.02Q

5,000 Meters (first round)
31. Alistair Cragg (IRL) – 13:47.01

Pole Vault (qualifying)
15. Jeremy Scott (USA) – 5.50m/18-0.5

Q – qualified for the event final