Sanya Richards Lone American In 400 Final

-Beijing-The Texas resident cracked 50 seconds for the first time this season in winning her semi-final heat. Her time of 49.90 is the fastest qualifying time going into the finals.

Sanya Richards looked strong, controlled, and fast coming down the homestretch as she won in the third-fastest time of the year. The heats are grueling and the only question is whether she has enough left in the tank for the finals.

"I feel like I can win it from a slow start or a fast start," Richards said. "I feel like I can just taste it now."

Her teammates, Dee Trotter and Mary Wineberg, are out of the competition after struggling in their semi-final heats. Americans Mary Wineberg, who finished fifth in her heat in 51.13, and Dee Dee Trotter, who was seventh in her heat in 51.87, did not advance.

Trotter is nursing a chipped tibia caused by a freak accident in which a car door flew open slamming into her knee. She has been running with pain and swelling in Beijing.

In the finals, Sanya will face some stiff competition for. Great Britain's Christine Ohuruogo (50.14) and Jamaica's Shericka Williams (50.28) posted the second- and third-best times.

By Jay Hicks.