Wagner Qualifies for Universiade Finals

BELGRADE -- Representing South Africa at the 25th Universiade Games is BYU senior Angela Wagner, who qualified for the finals in the steeplechase on Wednesday in Belgrade, Serbia.

Wagner, a steeplechase competitor for the Cougars took seventh in her heat with a time of 10:16.76, qualifying the All-American for Friday’s final.

“This has been a great honor representing South Africa on a world stage,” Wagner said. “I haven’t competed for my country in quite some time, making this an even more memorable experience.”

Wagner a native of Pretoria, South Africa, holds the fourth fastest time in steeplechase history at BYU with a time of 9:58.68, and will look to improve on that mark this Friday.

“My goal was to qualify for the finals and I’m incredibly happy I was able to accomplish that,” Wagner said. “Now I will prepare for Friday and see what I can do.”

Finishing first in the first round of the steeplechase was Turkey native, Erismis Turkan, who clocked in at 9:54.66, followed by Moreira Sara of Portugal, who placed second in a time of 9:55.10.

Wagner and 11 other finalists will compete again on Friday at 1:00 pm MST.