LONDON, England – Former Southeastern Louisiana standout Alex Young was the top American finisher in the semifinals of the hammer throw at the IAAF World Championships on Wednesday.

    Young finished eighth in his semifinal and 20^th overall with a mark of 236 feet, .45 inches (72.07 meters). The top 12 finishers and those who threw 75.5 meters or better advanced to Friday's finals.

    Young, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, fouled on his first attempt before hitting 72.07 meters on his second try. He recorded a mark of 70.93 meters on his third and final throw.

    Young, who completed his Southeastern career this spring with a second-place finish in the hammer at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Championships, was the first Lion to be chosen to represent the United States in the IAAF World Championships.