Aug. 26, 2004

Athens, Greece (hurricanesports.com) - The United States 4x100-meter relay, led by former University of Miami sprinter Lauryn Williams (Rochester, Pa.), won its preliminary heat in a time of 41.67 second to advance to Friday's final.

The winning time matches the United States' season best set in Munich on August 8, ties for the fourth fastest in history, and is the third fastest ever run at the Olympic Games.

Williams, who won a silver medal in the 100-meters last Saturday, ran the third leg of the relay and is attempting to win her second medal of the 2004 Olympic Games and her seventh medal while representing the United States in international competition.

Williams captured gold medals in the 100-meters and 4x100-meter relay at the 2003 Pan American Games as well as a silver medal in the 4x100-meter relay at the 2003 World Championships.

In 2002 Williams won the gold medal in the 100-meters and a silver medal in the 4x100-meter relay at the World Junior Championships in Kingston, Jamaica.

Also qualifying for the final was The Bahamas anchored by UM volunteer assistant coach Debbie Ferguson. The Bahamas finished second to the United States with a season-best time of 43.02 seconds. The Bahamas is the defending Olympic Champion in the event.