Aug. 18, 2008

BEIJING, China - Cousins Leevan Sands and Shamar Sands both advanced in their respective events to highlight Monday's track and field action among former Auburn athletes at the Olympic Games. Leevan Sands reached the finals of the triple jump, while Shamar Sands moved into the quarterfinals of the 110-meter hurdles.

Jumping for the Bahamas, Leevan Sands posted a mark of 17.25 meters (56-7.25) on his first attempt of the qualifying round, which easily moved him into the finals. He passed on his other attempts. His mark ranked second in his flight and was fifth overall among the 39 competitors. Sands, who finished 14th in the qualifying round of the 2004 Olympics and did not reach the finals, will compete in the finals of the triple jump on Thursday.

Shamar Sands, in his first Olympic appearance for the Bahamas, raced to a time of 13.45 seconds in the opening round of the 110-meter hurdles. His time, which was just .01 seconds behind his personal best, ranked him third in his heat and eighth overall. He will race in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.

Vonette Dixon of Jamaica ran in the semifinals of the women's 100-meter hurdles Monday, but just missed earning a spot in the finals. She finished fifth in her heat with a time of 12.86 seconds, which was just .02 seconds shy of the eighth and final qualifying spot.

Also competing Monday was Sanjay Ayre of Jamaica in the opening round of the men's 400 meters. Ayre, who earned a bronze medal in the 4x400-meter relay at the 2000 Olympics, placed fifth in his heat and 27th overall with a time of 45.66 seconds.