Three Jayhawks Advance at Olympic Trials
June 28, 2008
EUGENE, Ore./KINGSTON, Jamaica – Senior Crystal Manning and sophomore Jordan Scott each advanced to the finals of their respective events at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore. Friday. Junior Nickesha Anderson also advanced to the semifinals of the 100 meters at the Jamaican Olympic Trials in Kingston, Jamaica.
In the qualifying round of the women’s triple jump the top-12 reach the finals and Manning stood in 11th after her first two jumps. On her final leap though, the Terrell, Texas, product all but secured her spot in the finals with her effort of 13.69 meters (44 feet, 11 inches). Though wind-aided, her mark was less than an inch from her school record. She will compete for a spot in the Olympic Games at 4:45 p.m. (CST) on Sunday.
Scott also created a little suspense after missing on his first two attempts at the opening height in the men’s pole vault. The Watkinsville, Ga., native then flew over the bar at 5.40 meters on his third and final attempt. At the next height, 5.50 meters (18-00.50 ft.), Scott cleared on his first attempt and secured his spot in the finals with 13 other competitors. The finals are at 4:40 p.m. Sunday.
Anderson was second in her preliminary race in the 100 meters, reaching the semifinals at 5:10 p.m. Saturday and the finals at 6:50 p.m. Anderson will also run in the semifinals and finals of the 200 meters on Sunday.
Senior Ashley Brown was unable to advance in the women’s 400-meter hurdles. The Overton, Neb., native and KU record holder in the event finished in 1:01.21 – 24th in the country.
The top-three finishers in each event qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China in August.
