Former Illini Holder Advances At Olympics

Former Illini Nikkita Holder is one of three Canadians advancing to Tuesday's semifinals of the women's 100-meter hurdles at the London Olympics.

The 25-year-old Holder advanced on Monday with a qualifying time of 12.93 seconds. According to a CBC report, Holder said it wasn't her best time. "I'll get through on time and fine tune something for the semifinal," she said.

Holder will compete alongside her teammates Jessica Zelinka, who finished 2nd in her heat, with a time of 12.75 seconds. Another Canadian advancing to the semifinals is Phylicia George, who also 2nd in her heat, at 12.73 seconds.

Americans qualifying for the women's 100-meter hurdles semifinals are Lolo Jones (12.68 seconds), Kellie Wells (12.69 seconds) and Dawn Harper (12.75 seconds).

Alina Talay of Belarus had the fastest time with 12.71 seconds.

UPDATE: Holder finished 6th in the 100 meter semifinals with a 12.93 seconds, and won't compete in the finals later Tuesday. The USA's Dawn Harper finished 1st in the semis with a mark of 12.46.