EDMONTON, ALBERTA, Canada — LSU track and field All-American sprinter Alleyne Francique advanced to the finals of the men’s 400-meter dash on day three of competition at the IAAF World Championships at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
The native of Grenada finished third in his semifinal heat in a time of 45.11 seconds, earning a difficult lane eight assignment for Monday night’s final.
A pair of former Lady Tigers were in action at the World Championships on Sunday afternoon. Former NCAA intermediate hurdles champion Debbie Parris advanced to Monday’s 400-meter hurdles semifinal, clocking the third fastest time overall on the day. The Jamaican national champion finished second in her heat, but still advanced easily with a time of 54.81.
The 1997 NCAA 100-meter hurdles champion Astia Walker advanced to the quarterfinal round of the 100-meter dash where she bowed out. Walker finished second in her opening round heat, running a time of 11.36. Walker later finished fourth in her quarterfinal heat in a time of 11.39 and did not advance. She will still compete next weekend on the Jamaican 4×100-meter relay squad.
When action continues on Monday, NCAA triple jump champion and current Tiger Walter Davis will take aim at his first medal in major international competition. Davis broke the LSU school record in the triple jump in qualifying rounds on Saturday night and posted the second best mark overall, trailing only world record-holder and 2000 Sydney Olympic champion Jonathan Edwards of Great Britain.
In addition, three-time SEC decathlon champion and current Tiger Claston Bernard begins his bid on Monday, as the men’s multi-event competition begins.
Portions of Monday’s action can be seen on ESPN2 (Cable Ch. 36 in Baton Rouge) from 9-11 p.m. CT.