Ex-Jayhawk Russell misses Olympic berth

? Former Kansas University track and field standout Scott Russell won the javelin title at the Canada Dry National Track and Field Championships on Sunday, but his winning javelin throw was short of the Olympic qualifying standard.

Russell won with a throw of 77.87 meters, or 255 feet, 5 inches. The qualifying standard to earn a trip to Athens was 268-4.

A native of Windsor, Ontario, Russell easily outdistanced runner-up Graham Morfitt, who threw 69.58 meters.

Kansas throws coach Doug Reynolds said Russell naturally was disappointed his throw didn’t meet Canada’s qualifying standard. In the U.S., the top three finishers at Trials advance to the Olympics. In Canada, a standard must be met or the athlete cannot advance to the Games.

“Scott has had some big throws the past couple of weeks. He’s shown me he’s ready to throw the A standard,” Reynolds said.

“It’s a difficult circumstance for Scott at the Canadian championships. He doesn’t have any competitors pushing him. He beat his closest competitor easily. There’s not a lot of interest as far as spectators. He’s trying to throw the A standard without competition and before 20 fans.”

Reynolds will throw the discus on Friday at the U.S. Trials.