Brianna Rollins breezes through as US eye hurdles sweep

Brianna Rollins breezes through as US eye hurdles sweep

RIO DE JANEIRO - Brianna Rollins breezed into the semi-finals of the 100m hurdles on Tuesday as a formidable United States contingent eyed a clean sweep of the Olympic honours.

Brianna Rollins breezes into the semi-finals of the 100m hurdles as a formidable US contingent eye a clean sweep of the Olympic honours

Florida-based Rollins, the 2013 world champion, coasted over the barriers to qualify for Wednesday's semi-finals in a blistering 12.54sec, the quickest time of the opening round.

The 24-year-old was followed in the overall first round times by Kristi Castlin, who clocked 12.68sec.

The third American in the field, 27-year-old Nia Ali, also reached the semi-finals with something to spare, winning her heat in 12.76sec.

US hurdlers have been overwhelmingly dominant in the event this year, with seven different American women posting the seven fastest times of 2016.

Such is the US strength in depth in the event, that Keni Harrison -- who smashed the world record with a time of 12.20sec in July -- was unable to even make the team.

Castlin however played down expectations of a US sweep of the medals in Wednesday's final.

"We really just want to take it one round at a time and execute," Castlin told AFP.

"Anything can happen. All of the young ladies here are very prepared, very ready. If we execute and do what we're supposed to do and come out successful, this week will be great for America."

Castlin said the fierce competitiveness between the American women had brought the hurdlers closer together as a team.

"We all have a great relationship," she said. "We're competitors but once we get on the international circuit as Americans we have to bond together because there are so many of us - we're all replaceable!"

Ali meanwhile acknowledged that a USA 1-2-3 was achievable but warned against complacency.

"It's very possible but you can't discount other countries," she said. "We're going to do our best and hopefully that's good enough."

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