Latest News Reports

TBO.com > Sports

2008 Summer Olympics

Smith Out Of Mix For 4x400


Former Freedom High track and field standout Calvin Smith II will not get to run in the Olympics, his father and former Olympian Calvin Smith said Thursday.

Smith made the track team as part of the 4x400 relay pool and knew going into the Beijing Games there was a good chance he would not be selected by American coaches for either Friday’s qualifying or Saturday’s final. The reason is likely Smith’s lack of experience. At age 20, Smith, a sophomore at the University of Florida, is the youngest member of the U.S. men’s team and making his Olympic debut.

“He’s obviously disappointed,” Smith’s father said. “But it’s still a good experience for him to be there.”

Smith has already earned multiple all-America honors at UF and, thanks to making the Olympic team, was able to run his first season in Europe this summer. There, he ran his 400 personal best of 45.07 seconds. U.S. coaches will likely select one or more members of the American men who swept the medals in both the 400 hurdles and 400 open for each of the two 4x400 relay rounds.

Send Us Your Comments


Advertisement

Send Us Your Comments
Terms & Conditions

* Comments Must Include Full Name And Location


Login | Register

Please Register or Login to post comments.



Get Weekly Deals | Write a letter to the editor | Subscribe and get two weeks free | Place an Ad

Site Tools


ADVERTISEMENT

Advertise With Us:
Online | In Print | Broadcast