KU track star Diamond Dixon earns spot on U.S. Olympic team
Eugene, Ore. ? The dream season for Kansas University track star Diamond Dixon continued on Sunday, with the KU sophomore earning a spot on the 4×400-meter U.S. Olympic team which will compete next month in London.
Dixon placed fifth in the finals of the 400 meters on Sunday at the Olympic Trials at Hayward Field. Her time of 50.88 seconds was enough to place her on the six-member relay team.
“I’m very honored to have made the Olympic team,” Dixon said. “It was a tough race but I just tried to get out to a good start, maintain and not panic. I knew it would come down to the last 100 meters so I dug in and just tried to get the best finish I could. I’ve accomplished my dream and I’m just so grateful.”
Dixon’s time was a career best — improving on her own school record of 51.09, set at the 2012 Big 12 Championships — and came despite her being the only collegiate runner in the field.
Several current and former Jayhawks remain alive in their quest to join Dixon on the U.S. Olympic team, with triple jumper Andrea Geubelle, discus thrower Mason Finley and 3,000-meter steeplechase competitor Rebeka Stowe all competing today. Geubelle will compete in the finals at 7:45, while Finley and Stowe will begin qualifying rounds earlier in the day.