Murielle Ahoure Advances in WoMen's 100m

CORAL GABLES, Fla.– University of Miami alumna Murielle Ahoure began her quest for an Olympic medal Friday night in the women’s 100m.

Ahoure, who is representing her native Côte d’Ivoire at the 2016 Rio Olympics, finished second in Heat 1 in the opening round of the women’s 100m with a time of 11.17 seconds. By finishing in the top two of her heat, Ahoure earned an automatic qualifying spot in Saturday’s semifinal, scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.

The appearance in Rio marks Ahoure’s second consecutive Olympics, as she also competed at the 2012 Olympics in London. She was selected to serve as the flag bearer for her native Ivory Coast at the 2016 Opening Ceremonies.

In addition to competing in the women’s 100m, Ahoure is also in the women’s 200m field. The gifted sprinter returns to the Olympics after running for the Ivory Coast in both the women’s 100m and 200m at the 2012 Summer Games.

While she will continue competition in the 100m on Saturday, Ahoure is set to run her first 200m race of the 2016 Olympics at 8:35 a.m. ET on Aug. 15. The 2009 NCAA Indoor Champion in the 200m, Ahoure currently ranks third in the world in the 100m (10.78 seconds), making her a strong contender to leave Rio with a medal.

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