"Batman" Returns For 2009 Kansas Relays

April 8, 2009

LAWRENCE, Kan. – After earning the bronze medal in the 400-meter hurdles (48.06) at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China, four-time defending Kansas Relays champion Bershawn “Batman” Jackson will return to the Relays this year looking to make it five straight in the invitational 400-meter hurdles.

Jackson, a member of the Nike track club and USA Track & Field team, is a five-time Relays champion in the 400-meter hurdles. He took home the title in 2003 before reeling off four in a row from 2005-2008. He owns the Relays record in the event (48.32, set last year) as well as five of the top-seven times in the event’s nine years of existence.

Along with his prestigious bronze medal, Jackson is a 2005 World Outdoor champion, 2008 Olympic Trials champion, 2003 USA Outdoor champion, 2005 USA Indoor 400 meters champion, 2002 U.S. junior champion, 2002 World Junior bronze medalist and 2002 World Junior 4×400-meter relay champion.

Jackson currently resides in Champaign, Ill. He graduated from St. Augustine College in 2006. Jackson joins American record holder Alan Webb (mile) and 2008 Olympic Trials 100 meters champion Muna Lee on the list of announced professional athletes at this year’s Relays.

Jackson and the rest of the invitational 400-meter hurdles competitors will hit the blocks at 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 at Memorial Stadium.

Tickets can be purchased during the Kansas Relays at Memorial Stadium, or in advance at www.kuathletics.com on the Ticket Office page. Contact the ticket office by e-mail at kutickets@ku.edu or by phone at 800-34-HAWKS.