June 29, 2012
EUGENE, Ore. -
With a third-place finish in heat one at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials, Cal's David Torrence advanced to Sunday's final in the 1500 meters when a berth to the London Games will be on the line.
The field kept a slow pace, but Torrence was able to maintain a position up near the front. He had the lead at the start of the bell lap and remained in control through the finish, crossing the line in 3:51.43. Willam Leer won the race in 3:51.37 with Andrew Wheating second in 3:51.40.
Heat two covered the distance much more quickly, with the top 12 runners under Leer's time. However, with the top five finishers from each heat plus the next two fastest times moving onto the final, Torrence had his spot secured.
The championship event is scheduled to start at 4:37 p.m. Sunday. The meet will be televised by NBC from 7-8 p.m. PT and ET.
Torrence owns a personal best in the 1500m of 3:34.25 from 2010, while his mile time of 3:52.01 from earlier this month is the fastest among Americans this year. During his stint at Cal, Torrence broke Don Bowden's nearly 50-year-old record in the mile when he posted a time of 3:58.62 in 2007.
U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials
Hayward Field / Eugene, Ore.
Complete Results
California Results
Men's 1500m (semifinals) - 18. David Torrence 4:51.43
Q - qualified for final
