updated 3:32 a.m. ET Aug. 26, 2004

ATHENS, Greece - World 110-meter hurdles champion Allen Johnson literally crashed out of the Olympic Games on Wednesday when he fell in the second round of qualifying.

The 1996 Olympic champion tripped on the ninth hurdle and flew headlong into the 10th. He lay sprawled on the track watching helplessly as his opponents crossed the line.

U.S. teammates Terrence Trammell and Duane Ross were among the 16 competitors who qualified for Thursday's semifinals.

“It’s unfortunate. It happens to the best of us, you just have to move on. It’s just one of those breaks,” Johnson said immediately afterwards.

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“You always have disappointments, Sydney showed that. I just have to take this one and keep going.”

Johnson finished fourth at the 2000 Sydney Games.

On Wednesday he knocked over the fourth hurdle but quickly recovered after losing his balance. He recovered to draw even with the leaders but then fell over the ninth and ended his Olympics face down on the track.

Johnson said it was only the second time in his career he’s fallen in a race.

“It was going great, and then I don’t know. I just went down. I thought I was in control until I hit that hurdle. I got myself together, but the last one I hit and went down,” Johnson said. “I’m fairly disappointed, but it happens. I’ll be watching the final. There’s nothing I can do.”

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