Rucker notches gold in 4x400 at Junior Worlds

BARCELONA, Spain -- Erika Rucker will return to the United States a twice-decorated athlete after helping the USA to a first place finish in the women's 4x400 meter relay on Sunday in the IAAF World Junior Championships in Barcelona, Spain.

Rucker -- a former Flowery Branch High standout -- ran the first leg of the race for the US team, which sprinted to a 3 minute, 30.01 second victory, beating out Jamaica and Russia.

Olivia Ekpone, Kendall Baisden and Ashley Spencer ran the remaining legs for the US.

Rucker had already won bronze in the women's 400 meters, finishing in third place in Friday's championship.

The sprinter will return for her sophomore season at the University of South Carolina.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2012/7/250712