Former Jayhawk Russell Bound for Beijing
July 5, 2008
WINDSOR, Ontario (Canada) – Scott Russell is headed to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
With a throw of 74.74 meters (81-02.21 ft.) Saturday at the Canadian Track and Field Olympic Trials in his hometown, the former Jayhawk All-American won the finals of the men’s javelin throw to earn his first-ever berth in the summer games.
Russell, competing for the Windsor Legion Track and Field Club and current Lawrence resident, dominated the finals. His winning throw was 7.50 meters (8-00.61 ft.) better than that of runner-up Adam Wolkins (67.24 meters, 73-01.60 ft.).
Russell was a Jayhawk track and field member from 1998-2002. He was a two-time NCAA Individual Champion, a six-time All-American and an eight-time conference champion while at KU.
Russell was named Jayhawk of the Year three times, in 1998, 1999 and 2002 for field competitors. He was an Academic All-American in 2002, and received the Dr. Robert E. Fredrick Senior Scholar Athlete of the Year award in 2002. He was a member of the Canadian World Championship team in 2001.
Russell is currently seeking a degree from KU and is a graduate assistant in the health, sport, and exercise sciences department.
The 2008 Summer Olympic Games take place Aug. 8-24 in Beijing, China.
