Four Razorback medalists qualify for Paris Olympic Games
EUGENE – In a short span of time during the fourth day of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials four Razorbacks secured medals in their respective events and qualified for the Paris Olympic Games.
Each performance by silver medalist Rachel Glenn and a trio of bronze medalists in Chris Bailey, Jarrion Lawson, and Taliyah Brooks had a nerve-racking moment to overcome in order to fulfill an Olympic dream.
Glenn, a silver medalist in the high jump, needed a third attempt clearance at 6-4.25 (1.94) to garner the runner-up position behind Kentucky’s Charity Hufnagel, who set a career best at that height.
Multiple champion Vashti Cunningham had a jump-off for third place with Nebraska’s Jenna Rogers, as they both cleared 6-3.25 (1.91). Cunningham claimed the jump-off to make the Olympic team.
Stationed in lane 9 for the 400m final, Bailey executed his race plan as he equaled his career best of 44.42 to finish in the bronze medal position behind Quincy Hall (44.17 PR) and Michael Norman (44.41).
In eighth place at 200m (21.83), Bailey moved through the curve and was in fifth place at 300m (32.70). Then his effort in the final 100m enabled him to make his first Olympic team.
Finishing behind Bailey were Vernon Norwood (44.47) and Bryce Deadmon (44.61).