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. Supersonics Jerseys Throwabck . 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Michael Cage Jersey . For the Wild it was their first win of the season and they now have a record of 1-1-2 while the Jets fall to 2-2. Jets start a six game home stand Friday with another divisional game, home to the Dallas Stars.Danny McGuire says victory over Wigan at Magic Weekend could be the shot in the arm Leeds need to turn their season around. The Rhinos sit bottom of Super League after 11 defeats in 14 games and must quickly rediscover that winning feeling if they are to finish in the top eight.Leeds have lost their last three Magic Weekend fixtures against Wigan, including a 27-12 defeat at St James Park last year, and McGuire admits nobody is giving them much chance of picking up a vital victory. I dont think too many people will be expecting us to get a result, said the Rhinos skipper.Weve had some good tussles with Wigan over the years, especially at Magic Weekends, and hopefully well have another good game on Saturday.I really enjoyed the game last year in Newcastle. The concept of Magic Weekend is still really strong and all the players enjoy it.Itll be a tough few months for us going forward. We just need to find a little bit of form and consistency.McGuire returned from a calf problem in Leeds 52-12 defeat against Castleford at Headingley last Thursday but he says injuries are not the reason for their current slump. Were just having a tough time at the minute, every team goes through that at some point. Ours is just going on a bit longer than expected. Danny McGuire Individually I think a few players have struggled at times, said McGuire. Weve been really lucky over the last few years, being involved in winning teams. We created a decent culture at the club.Were just having a tough time at the minute, every team goes through that at some point. Ours is just going on a bit longer than expected. Magic Moments Danny McGuire features in our top 10 Magic Weekend moments Weve got great players within our team.dddddddddddd Weve had a few issues outside with injuries but the main reason why were sitting at the bottom is we arent playing well enough. Its as simple as that.Hopes are high that Magic Weekend will break last years attendance record of 67,788. A large turnout by Leeds fans is expected and McGuire says the players are thankful for their support during this tough period. Phil Clarke looks ahead to Super Leagues Magic Weekend at St James Park A lot of fans stuck around and were singing at the end of the Castleford game when we had 50 points put past us, he said.Weve always had great support, wherever we go we have a great travelling fanbase and I imagine itll be the same this weekend.The players really appreciate their support and hopefully they stick with us for the rest of the year.Watch Leeds v Wigan live on Sky Sports 1 HD on Saturday from 6.45pm. Catch the match for £6.99 with a NOW TV day pass Also See: WATCH: Magic Weekend preview Magic Moments WATCH: The Naughty Step Follow @SkySportsRL ' ' '