DES MOINES, Iowa - Northern Arizona University's
Jasmine Malone advanced to the semifinals of the women's 400-meter dash after her strong performance in the opening round of the event at the 2018 USATF Outdoor National Championships at Drake Stadium on Thursday.
The soon-to-be senior posted a time of 53.86 to finish fourth in her heat and 14th overall. The top three athletes from each heat automatically advanced to the next round along with the four best times after that. Malone posted the second-fastest mark after the automatic qualifiers to seal her spot in the semifinals on Friday.
"I felt great about my race," Malone said. "I went out there to compete and nothing else. I just put all my focus on me and what I had to do. It feels good to advance to know I have another chance to do something special."
Just graduated Nicole Fotinos also competed and concluded her time at the national meet with a 19th-place finish (54.38) in the 400-meter against some of the best runners the sport has to offer. She finished fifth in her heat.
Malone and Fotinos were the only mid-major athletes competing in the event.
"We're so proud to have Jasmine and Nicole representing NAU at the USA meet," director of track and field Michael Smith said. "Competing at the highest level in the US, they got another great experience racing today. Jasmine's advancement to tomorrow's semi is a big moment in her progression. It's showing she believes she belongs with the best. We're very proud of today's effort."
Malone will return to the track for Friday's 400m semifinals at approximately 4:05 p.m. MST. Fans will be able to watch the action live on NBC Sports Gold. A shortened broadcast will also be available later in the evening on NBC Sports Network from 8-10 p.m. MST.
Lumberjack fans can also follow along live with the results at the @NAUTrackFieldXC Twitter page here.
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