A new national record and a third successive Olympic semi-final -- and this was just in the event which Troy Douglas runs for fun! The 33-year-old Bermudian, a semi-finalist in the 200 metres in Seoul in 1988 and in the 400 metres in Barcelona four years later, took centre stage again last night in a 400 semi to which he advanced by way of a new Bermuda record on Saturday night.

Douglas, who lives and trains in Holland, was unable to repeat that performance in what is arguably one of the strongest track events of these Games, finishing seventh in 46.33. He wasn't available for comment as he was whisked away almost immediately after the race by a Games official for one of the many random drug tests being carried out at these Olympics.

But the big grin on his face said it all and he will have no doubt enjoyed what was only intended as a tune-up for the 200 metres, which he now considers his strongest event. He runs the first heat on Wednesday. Douglas had moved into the semi-finals on Saturday night with his fastest-ever 400m time, a Bermuda record of 45.26, in round two.

Drawn in lane two, he again was quick out of the blocks but ran a more conservative first 200 metres than during his opening heat on Friday when he finished third after leading the field into the final stretch.

But this time the Bermudian qualified by the narrowest of margins. Both Douglas and fifth placed Arnaud Malherbe of South Africa were given identical times, but it was Douglas who got the nod.

In the semis, he drew the outside lane and although he came off the final bend in fifth place and looked to have a chance of making the first four, as was the case on Friday he faded down the stretch. Britain's Roger Black, possibly the only man who can challenge America's Michael Johnson in today's final, won the semi in 44.69.

Bermuda at the Olympics YESTERDAY ATHLETICS: 400m semi-final -- Troy Douglas, seventh, 46.33.

SAILING: Star Class -- Peter Bromby/Lee White, race nine, 11th; overall, 14th.

TODAY SAILING: Star Class -- Peter Bromby/Lee White, race ten, 2 p.m.; race 11 (final race), 4 p.m.; Laser Class -- Malcolm Smith, race nine, 2 p.m.; race ten, 4 p.m.; Europe Dinghy -- Paula Lewin, race nine, 2 p.m.; race ten, 4 p.m.

More Olympic coverage, Pages 19-20