Photo by Victah Sailer of PhotoRun.net
Broad Run rising senior Jonathan Russell came out strong in his opening round of the 400 meter hurdles at the World Youth Championships in France today. The Group AA outdoor 300 meter hurdles state champion placed second in his preliminary heat with a personal best time of 51.94, which is the second fastest among all qualifiers moving onto the semi-finals behind his heat's winner Yahya Ibrahim Barnawi of Saudi Arabia (51.93). Virginia's own Russell and fastest qualifier Barnawi may be battling for gold later in the meet if both make it through the semi-finals.