LSUs Fletcher Wins Bronze at Pan Am Games

Fletcher Wins Bronze at Pan Am Games
(07/28/2007) BY www.LSUsports.net

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil -- LSU senior sprinter Sherry Fletcher became the second Lady Tiger to win a medal at the 2007 Pan American Games as she took home the bronze in the 200-meter dash for her native Grenada during Friday’s action at Joao Havelange Stadium.

Fletcher – the reigning NCAA champion in the 100 meters – broke the 23-second barrier in the final as she crossed the finish line in 22.96 seconds. She finished just a split-second behind gold medalist Roxana Diaz of Cuba (22.90).

Fletcher, who is preparing to represent her country at the IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Osaka, Japan, beginning Aug. 25, qualified for Friday’s final with the field’s fastest semifinal time at 22.86 while adding a 23.14 in the first round of qualifying on Wednesday.

She joins Lady Tiger teammate Nickiesha Wilson as medalists at this year’s Pan American Games after Wilson clocked a new personal best of 54.94 to win a silver medal in the 400-meter hurdles on Wednesday. Wilson will also compete at the World Championships later this summer as she represents her native Jamaica.