By SCOTT CARTER
The Tampa Tribune

TALLAHASSEE – Florida State sprinter Walter Dix qualified for the Beijing Olympics on Sunday, and Dix has yet to compete in his best event at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials in Eugene, Ore.

Dix ran the fastest time of his career in the 100 meters Sunday night, a wind-aided 9.80 seconds to finish second to Tyson Gay. By running a personal-best in the 100 on Sunday, Dix qualified for the U.S. team and opens his quest to qualify in the 200 meters on Friday. Dix is a three-time NCAA champion in the 200.

“It’s so exciting for Walt and the program,’’ FSU coach Bob Braman said. “This really validates his decision to not go pro last year after having a great season or skip the NCAAs this year after he got injured. We’re so happy for Walt because he did it the right way. It sends such a great message that the money is going to be there, but you can go back to college to have fun and win championships. He used his last year to prepare for the big stage and now he’s ready.”

Dix spurned offers to go pro after winning the 100- and 200-meter NCAA titles as a junior, returning to FSU and helping the Seminoles win their third consecutive national outdoor title earlier this month. Dix’s senior season and Olympic hopes were in question when he pulled a hamstring in the Seminole Invitation on April 12, but Dix has rebounded and is now on his way to Beijing, the first FSU male athlete to qualify for the U.S. team since two-time Olympian Arthur Blake in 1992.

Dix isn’t the only FSU athlete going to Beijing. Freshmen Ngoni Makusa (long jump – Zimbabwe) and Gonzalo Barroilhet (decathlon – Chile) have also earned Olympic berths for their respective countries.

Reporter Scott Carter can be reached at (850) 294-3088 or scarter@tampatrib.com.