UPDATE – Former Jackson State track and field standout Michael Tinsley continues to advance in the 2012 Olympics.He rolled to a first place finish in his heat in Saturday’s semifinal round of the 400 meter hurdles with a time of 48.18. With this performance, Tinsley will compete for all of the marbles on Monday in the finals, which are set for Monday, Aug. 6 at 2:45 pm
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Former Jackson State star Michael Tinsley advanced to Saturday’s semifinals of the men’s 400-meter hurdles as track and field opened today at the Summer Olympics.
Tinsley, a former NCAA champion for the Tigers, won the second of six heats in 49.19 seconds.
Puerto Rico’s Javier Culson, this year’s world leader and gold-medal favorite, ran the fastest heat of 48.33 seconds.
The United States’ Kerron Clement, the 2008 Olympic silver medalist and 2009 world champion, was second in Culson’s heat in a season-best of 48.48 – also second overall.
Angelo Taylor, of Decatur, Ga., the Olympic gold medalist in 2000 and 2008, won the fifth heat in 49.29.
Great Britain’s Dai Greene was also a heat winner in 48.98.
The semifinals are scheduled for Saturday night, with the final Monday.