Photo by: Kirby Lee
Francis Wins Second Gold Medal as World Championships Wrap
08/13/17 | Track and Field
LONDON – Former Duck star Phyllis Francis claimed her second gold medal of the IAAF World Track and Field Championships on Sunday at Olympic Stadium, as the 400-meter world champion anchored Team USA to a dominating win in the 4x400 relay on the final day of competition in London.
Francis, who came from behind to win the world title in the 400 meter title on Wednesday, was awarded the anchor leg in the 4x400 for Team USA. The former NCAA champion for the Ducks took the baton with an enormous lead and cruised around the track to secure the world title for the U.S. in 3:19.02, the fastest time by the U.S. since 2012.
More Ducks in London: Francis is not the only athlete hailing from UO to leave London with a medal, as current Duck Ariana Washington was awarded a gold medal in the 4x100 relay. Washington anchored Team USA to a win in the opening rounds of the 4x100, but was replaced by U.S. 100-meter champion Tori Bowie in the final.
Newest pro Duck Deajah Stevens advanced through to the finals of the women's 200 meters on Friday, where she placed fifth in 22.44. The fifth-place finish comes after Stevens won the 2017 U.S. title in the 200, and it is an improvement over her seventh-place showing at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
Pro Duck Johnny Gregorek used a pair of impressive races to advance to the finals of the men's 1,500 meters on Sunday. Running in a very fast final, Gregorek came across the line in 10th place in 3:37.56.
Francis, who came from behind to win the world title in the 400 meter title on Wednesday, was awarded the anchor leg in the 4x400 for Team USA. The former NCAA champion for the Ducks took the baton with an enormous lead and cruised around the track to secure the world title for the U.S. in 3:19.02, the fastest time by the U.S. since 2012.
Francis now leaves London with a pair of gold medals, including her first individual international title.Another gold medal for #ProDuck Phyllis Francis! She anchors Team USA to a dominating win in the 4x400 relay in 3:19.02 for the world title! pic.twitter.com/XwOn7LEtQ9
— Oregon Track & Field (@OregonTF) August 13, 2017
More Ducks in London: Francis is not the only athlete hailing from UO to leave London with a medal, as current Duck Ariana Washington was awarded a gold medal in the 4x100 relay. Washington anchored Team USA to a win in the opening rounds of the 4x100, but was replaced by U.S. 100-meter champion Tori Bowie in the final.
Newest pro Duck Deajah Stevens advanced through to the finals of the women's 200 meters on Friday, where she placed fifth in 22.44. The fifth-place finish comes after Stevens won the 2017 U.S. title in the 200, and it is an improvement over her seventh-place showing at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
Pro Duck Johnny Gregorek used a pair of impressive races to advance to the finals of the men's 1,500 meters on Sunday. Running in a very fast final, Gregorek came across the line in 10th place in 3:37.56.
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