Campbell-Brown to defend Olympic title

FAYETTEVILLE – Two-time Olympic 200-meter champion Veronica Campbell-Brown will have an opportunity to defend her title after Tuesday’s semifinal performance in London. She won her heat and finished third overall in the semifinal round with a season-best time of 22.32. In the semifinal round of the 100-meter hurdles, current Razorback student-athlete Ivanique Kemp finished 22nd overall and did not qualify for the event final.

With her win in heat one Tuesday, Campbell-Brown clinched an automatic spot into the title race. She entered the event off a bronze-medal performance Saturday at 100 meters. Campbell-Brown won gold at 200 meters at the 2004 Olympics in Athens and 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The event final is scheduled for a 3 p.m. (CT) start Wednesday at Olympic Stadium.

Kemp finished eighth in heat two and 22nd overall in the semifinal round of the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 13.56. She qualified for the race with a time of 13.51 in the opening round Monday. Kemp was making her Olympic debut competing for her native Bahamas. She is now set to return to Arkansas for her senior season in Fayetteville.

In addition to the final of the 200 meters, Campbell-Brown is also scheduled to compete with Jamaica’s 4x100-meter relay. Event qualifying for the sprint relay begins Thursday. To follow Arkansas’ progress in London, follow @RazorbackTF on Twitter or visit the 2012 Olympic Central page at ArkansasRazorbacks.com.

Tuesday Results
200 Meters (semifinals)
3. Veronica Campbell-Brown (JAM) – 22.32Q

100m Hurdles (semifinals)
22. Ivanique Kemp (BAH) – 13.56 (H2)

Q – qualified for event final