Matthew Centrowitz

DAEGU, SOUTH KOREA – In the first round of the men's 1500 meters at the World Track & Field Championships, University of Oregon senior Matthew Centrowitz automatically qualified for the semifinals by finishing sixth in his heat in 3:39.46. Former UO star Andrew Wheating placed eighth in his heat in 3:42.68 and did not advance.

"I was a little more relaxed than I thought I was going to be in the first race here," Centrowitz said. "I found myself in a couple of uncomfortable positions that I didn't want to be in . . . I was a little boxed in coming to the finish but fortunately I was in sixth place."

The 1500 races were run in hot and very humid conditions on Tuesday morning in Daegu. Andrew Wheating said, "Going out as slow as we did, everyone can close off of that pace. I was really hoping I could squeeze in a 25-26 second 200 but when we got to 200 to go, I was just biting my lip and it was hurting. It was not like a typical race. I can't fully extend my leg 100% and it just withholds that kick that I know I have."

Andrew Wheating

Running in the first heat, Centrowitz maintained a good position in the front of the pack throughout the race, despite a very fast pace which brought the runners through 800 meters in 1:54.70.

In the second heat, Wheating was unable to take advantage of a slow pace that normally would be made to order for him. He revealed after the race that he has been bothered by an injury to his right hamstring since June, and felt pain during the race when he attempted to sprint.

"I have been dealing with this hamstring issue since June. It's the same thing that Chris Solinsky has been dealing with since February or March," Wheating said.