Track sees no Olympic qualifiers, trials continue

By Akeem Glaspie

Five former Salukis had a chance to qualify for spots on the US and Bahamas Olympic teams, but so far no one has made it to London.

The Olympic Trials began Thursday and will continue through July 1 in Eugene, Ore. The Salukis had three throwers competing in the trials: Gwen Berry in the hammer throw, Brittany Riley also in the hammer throw and Jeneva McCall who threw in the hammer, shot put and discus. SIU was also represented by distance runner Jeff Schirmer and jumper Kenya Culmer who competed for the Bahamas.

The trials began with the throwing events as the top three finishers who pass the qualifying mark of 234-07 in the hammer throw will make the team. Riley ranked the highest among SIU athletes as she finished sixth overall with a throw of 227-04. Berry finished seventh with a throw of 225-10 and McCall finished 10th with a throw of 219-02.

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Schirmer was the only distance runner for SIU in the olympic trials, and he finished 16th in the 10k with a time of 28:35.18.

McCall still has a chance to qualify for the US in the shot put and discus as the qualifying events will take place Thursday and Friday, respectively. The necessary mark for the shot put is 58-08.75 and McCall ranks sixth with her throw of 58-11.5 which surpassed the required mark and 11th in the discus where she has yet to qualify.

Culmer will compete in the high jump on Thursday, where the qualifying mark is 6-4.75.

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