July 18, 2004

UNC alum Monique Hennagan used a record-setting performance in the final to win the women's 400-meter dash Saturday at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Sacramento. Hennagan's time of 49.56 established a new stadium record as well as a personal best. It was also the second-fastest 400m ever run at the U.S. Trials and the second-fastest time run in the world this year.

"Some people are just happy to be here, but you can't go in with that attitude," Hennagan said. "You never know if you will get another chance. You have to go there to win. With that attitude, anything can happen. I think we are capable of breaking a world record."

Former Olympic champion hurdler Allen Johnson has a chance Sunday to join the Carolina contingent in Athens. Johnson, a 1993 graduate, won gold in the 110-hurdles at the Atlanta games in 1996. After moving through the qualifying round, Johnson won his quarterfinal heat with an overall-best time of 13.25. He will run in the semifinals Sunday afternoon with the finals to be held later that night.

Crystal Cox, who opted not to start the 200-meter semifinals in order to focus on the 400 finals, finished fourth in 50.52, one spot away from an Olympic berth. Marion Jones also passed on the 200 semis, citing physical exhaustion. She has already qualified in the long jump and will be eligible for the relays as well.