Aug. 31, 2001

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Former Missouri Tiger Derrick Peterson will go for his second World University Games gold medal as he competes in the 800m final tomorrow in Beijing, China. Peterson won his first gold medal two years ago as a member of the 1,600m relay team and also took home the bronze in the 800m at the 1999 World University Games.

In Friday's semifinals, Peterson trailed after the first lap but went from the back of the line to the front in the final lap and won his heat in 1:46.91. Jess Strutzel (1:46.70) will join Peterson in the men's 800m final and Sasha Spenser (2:04.75) advanced for the Team USA women.

While at Missouri, Peterson was a six-time All-American, an eight-time Big 12 Champion in the 800m, holds the indoor and outdoor 800m records at Missouri and is the American collegiate record holder in the indoor 800m.