Lolo Jones: Olympic Hurdles Qualifying Shows She's Ready to Medal

Step one for U.S. hurdler Lolo Jones is complete at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

She qualified for the semifinals with a time of 12.68 seconds—the second-fastest time from the prelims behind Sally Pearson of Australia—and not too far off her personal best of 12.43 seconds.

Perhaps there's even less pressure on Jones now, though, or the 2008 Beijing Games were a needed learning experience. That personal best came during the semifinals four years ago, but Jones simply felt the heat in the final, stumbling toward the end.

Finishing at 12.72 seconds and a disappointing seventh place, Jones is much more prepared for 2012.

Ahead, let's take a look at why she's ready to medal in London after missing out in Beijing.

Round 1 Confidence

In addition to winning her heat, Jones won it by 0.15 seconds and even bested teammate Dawn Harper by 0.07 seconds.

Lest we forget that Harper is the reigning gold medalist from Beijing and also took bronze at the 2011 World Championships. So, Jones had the best time of all Americans, and she's not far behind the top spot.

Positioned well to win the semifinals, Jones just has to run her race. Even if it's not a personal best, her talent alone will be enough to make the final.

Production Since Beijing

After running that personal best of 12.43 in the semis during Beijing, Jones veered off for a brief amount of time.

Then 2010 happened and she got her swag back. Winning the gold at the World Indoor Championships (60 meters), Jones also took silver at the IAAF Continental Cup (100 meters). She placed just third at the U.S. Olympic Trials, but still qualified.

Having to race against Harper and Kellie Wells in hopes of just qualifying for London was a lot of pressure for Jones. Appearing much less tense in Round 1, it's Jones' potential that gives her the best odds at winning a medal.

Potential

Harper's personal best is 12.47 and Pearson's best race in the 100 hurdles is 12.28 seconds. Ironically, Jones' best time is faster than what Harper and Pearson ran during the final at the 2008 Summer Games.

Now, Pearson is clearly the favorite in being the 2011 world champion and silver medal recipient four years ago. That said, Lolo has more potential courtesy of her quick acceleration.

This played a major role in her development, because Jones is arguably a better 60-meter hurdler. And in a shorter race, a faster reaction at the beginning is needed. As for the 100 hurdles, Jones has the ability to naturally transition that quick start into gaining an early lead.

If Jones manages to minimally increase her top speed, then she will cruise to a medal with ease.

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