Representing Canada in a downpour morning at Historic Hayward Field, incoming freshman Christian Brennan placed third in the women’s 400 meter qualifier.

“It was really raining, but I’m used to it because I train here,” Brennan said. “It didn’t phase me that much.”

Brennan, who already calls Hayward Field her home, ran a comfortable race and did what she needed to advance to the upcoming semi-finals.

“It’s been awesome,” Brennan said about running at her soon-to-be home track. “It’s a home track, so I’m used to it and the fans are just amazing — the Hayward magic.”

Running in lane three, Brennan got off to a good start. As the runners turned the first and second corners, Brennan was among the top three. And as they approached the home stretch, Brennan held the lead.

“I think it went pretty good,” Brennan said. “Went with the race plan and qualified. Just did what I had to do to get to the next round.”

Being a qualifying heat however, Brennan slowed down 50 meters out and ended up dropping to third behind Germany’s Ann-Kathrin Kopf (54.71) and Slovenia’s Maja Pogorevc (54.80). Brennan was comfortable doing this knowing she would qualify, but understood she wouldn’t have the same luxury in the next round.

“I let off a little in the end,” Brennan said. “I definitely can’t do that in the next round.”

Entering the IAAF World Junior Championships, Brennan held a 52.12 personal best and 52.81 season best.

The women’s 400 meter semi-finals will be held on Thursday at 7:05 p.m. PST.

Follow Hayden Kim on Twitter @HayDayKim