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August 20, 2004 8:13 pm

S.C.’s Harris advances in 400

By Elliott Denman

Gannett News Service

ATHENS, Greece — U.S. 400-meter star Otis Harris failed to lean into the finish line, and it cost him a first place at the Olympic Games on Friday night.

But not to worry, Harris fans. This was just a quarter-final heat of the 400, and all the former University of South Carolina star had to do was finish first or second — or beat 45.88 seconds.

He did that with ease, clocking a 45.11 that was second only to the 45.09 by Christopher Brown of the Bahamas — the man who leaned forward as Harris did not — on the list of 24 qualifiers for Saturday’s semifinals.

The top eight on Saturday advance into the Monday night final.

All three Americans ran impressively. LSU grad Derrick Brew ran a 45.41, and U.S. Olympic Trials winner Jeremy Wariner clocked a 45.56.

"I felt real comfortable; coming around the turn I looked around and just cruised in," said Harris.

"The important thing is I got my second place and a good lane to run in tomorrow. And then, whatever it takes to make that final, I’m going to run it.’’

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