June 29, 2008

EUGENE, Ore. - Former Tar Heel Monique Hennagan began her quest to represent the United States for the third time on Sunday as she competed in the 400-meter dash quarterfinals at the US Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore. Hennagan who represented her country at the 2000 and 2004 games finished fourth in her heat en route to advancing to the semifinals as one of the top 16 sprinters.

Hennagan competed in the third heat of the day and crossed the line in 51.73 to earn a fourth-place finish and punch her ticket for Monday's semifinal. Sanya Richards won the third heat of the day in the fastest time in the opening round of qualifying with a time of 51.08. Hennagan will look to advance to Thursday's final on Monday when she competes in the semifinals, she represented the US at the 2000 and 2004 games in the 400-meter dash as well.

Alice Schmidt will also be in action on Monday when she competes in the 800-meter run final where she will be in search for the first Olympic bid of her career.

Other Tar Heels will be opening their competition in Eugene as Nick Owens will battle for a spot in the hammer throw, while Tisha Waller and Sheena Gordon look to advance out of the qualifying stage of the high jump. Shalane Flanagan will look to continue her strong performance from the opening night in the 5000-meter run.