BEIJING - Derrick Atkins is no longer a Blue Hawk, but he can still fly.

The former Dickinson State University sprinter advanced to the semifinals of the men's 100 meters Friday at the Olympic Games.

The 24-year-old Atkins, running for the Bahamas, advanced through the first two rounds of qualifying with little trouble.

Atkins won his first-round heat in a time of 10.28. In his second-round heat Atkins took third, clocking in at 10.14. He was behind Jamaica's Asafa Powell and Walter Dix of the U.S. Powell, a former world record-holder in the event, finished in 10.02, with Dix at 10.08.

Atkins and Powell will be in the same semifinal with American Tyson Gay this morning.

Gay won the gold medal in the 100 at the 2007 world championships, with Atkins taking silver.

Atkins won seven NAIAnational championships competing for Dickinson State and helped the Blue Hawks win team titles in 2004 and 2005.