Filipino-American track athlete Eric Cray took the first step towards a crack at an Olympic medal by qualifying for the semifinals of the men's 400-meter hurdles in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Cray, who was born in Olongapo City but raised in Texas, finished third in Heat 4 with a time of 49.05 seconds at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

It was not enough to beat his personal best of 48.98 seconds, but he is still through to the semifinals scheduled for Tuesday.

If he surpasses his best time, the 27-year-old Cray may reach the finals on Thursday and hope for a medal.

"That's the goal - get through the preliminaries," Cray said ahead of his event.

Keisuke Nozawa of Japan topped the heat with a time of 48.62 seconds, his personal best. In second place was Thomas Barr of Ireland, who ran a season-best time of 48.62-seconds.

"Let's take it step-by-step," said Philippine chef-de-mission Jose Romasanta, who watched from the stands. "He's in the semis now, and the next goal is to get to the finals." -- Abac Cordero

READ: Southeast Asia's fastest Cray hopes for good showing in Rio

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