RIO DE JANEIRO -- The American teenager was talking as if her time in Rio was done -- the competition was just too intimidating, the Olympic atmosphere was too overwhelming and she was bothered by a persistent cold.Thats the thing about Sydney McLaughlin, even when shes not at her best and maybe a bit overwhelmed, she still finds a way to get things done. The 17-year-old from Dunellen, New Jersey, cut it close Monday night, but made it through to the semifinals of the 400-meter hurdles.Looks like that summer homework project shes been putting off will just have to wait another few days.Its exciting to be here, said McLaughlin, who finished in 56.32 seconds -- the 20th fastest time, and just enough to advance. But its also a little intimidating, because a lot of people have done this before and have more experience than me. I mean, just to be here, at this age, representing my country, its amazing.McLaughlin wasnt exactly sure how to run this type of Olympic race -- go out fast or save a burst to finish. So, she decided to play it safe. Midway through, she knew that wasnt going to cut it and turned on the speed.Its hard to bounce back from some sloppy hurdles in the beginning, said McLaughlin, the youngest American track and field athlete to compete in the Summer Games since 1972, according to USA Track and Field. You waste energy trying to fix your stride pattern. Overall, the strength wasnt there.In fairness, she has been battling a cold.I went into the race with my expectations a little bit lower than shouldve been, said McLaughlin, who turned 17 on Aug. 7. It took me 200 meters to realize everyone is working for a spot here. Its not just another race.Its definitely not.A little down after her performance -- she didnt earn one of the three automatic spots -- she was almost resigned to having her experience in Rio draw to a close.When all the heats had finished, there was a big sigh of relief.Its so much to process in one race and try to overcome at one time, said McLaughlin, who didnt walk in the opening ceremony but plans to get involved in the closing ceremony. Im not really particularly happy with my performance. But whatever happens, happens.About her reading project which is due before she starts her senior year in about a month. She vows to get it done -- and she is an expert at juggling.No, really. She started a juggling club at her high school and can juggle while riding a unicycle.The homework, she said, Thats next on my agenda. Cheap Air Max 720 .ca looks back at the stories and moments that made the year memorable. Air Max 720 Buy Online . In Europe, top teams seem to be largely happy with their squads after spending nearly $1 billion in the off-season. And although English league clubs are unlikely to splash cash in January, Arsenal and Chelsea could be tempted to strengthen their squads with new strikers. http://www.cheapaustraliaairmax720.com/ . Its the second straight game Bell has scored in extra time for Kelowna, which beat the Brandon Wheat Kings 6-5 on Friday, and he now has four game-winning goals on the season. Air Max 720 Clearance . Jordan Lynch, the all-purpose Heisman Trophy finalist from Northern Illinois, failed to make it into that exclusive club. Nike Air Max 720 Release . Anthony Davis had 31 points and 17 rebounds in his seventh straight game with more than 20 points, but that was only enough to keep the Pelicans competitive into the final minutes. Andrew Bogut had 10 points and 15 rebounds for Golden State, which rebounded from a loss a night earlier in Oklahoma City and snapped a two-game skid. Greater Western Sydney are confident classy midfielder Dylan Shiel will return from a groin injury in Saturdays AFL clash with West Coast.Shiel missed the Giants eight-point win over Gold Coast last Saturday.The 23-year-old has played every other game for GWS this AFL season, helping push the expansion club to fourth spot on the ladder and a maiden finals campaign.dddddddddddd ' ' '