Gruber Does Not Advance in 1500m

Aug. 30, 2004

ATHENS, Greece – Former University of Kansas star Charlie Gruber failed to advance to the semi-finals of the 1500m at Olympic Stadium in Athens Friday. Gruber raced in the third and final qualifying heat of today’s 1500 meters at Olympic Stadium. The top 18 finishers (five from each heat, plus three top times) advanced to the semi-finals, which will be held on Sunday.

Gruber lead in the race early but fell behind to finish ninth in the heat with a time of 3:41.73. Michael East of Great Britain was the winner of the heat and recorded the fastest time of the day at 3:37.37. The Americans failed to advance anyone in the 1500 with three runners taking part in the heats.

In the first heat, Gruber’s teammate Grant Robinson collided with Mounir Yemmouni of France and fell to the track, crushing Robinson’s chances of advancing. In the second heat, USA’s Alan Webb finished ninth with a time of 3:41.25.