EUGENE, Ore. -- University of Arizona volunteer assistant coach Jill Camarena-Williams made Team USA in the women’s shot put while Georganne Moline advanced to the final of the women’s 400-meter hurdles in Friday's action at the U.S. Olympic Trials.
Camarena-Williams placed in the women’s shot put with a throw of 62 feet, 10.5 inches to earn her second Olympics berth. UA junior Alyssa Hasslen took sixth place with a throw of 58-2.5, and sophomore Baillie Gibson was ninth with a throw of of 55-8.5.
Michelle Carter at 60-11 1/4 and Tia Brooks at 60-2 won the other two spots on the U.S. team for the London Games.
Camerena-Williams, the American record holder, took the bronze in the event at last year's world championships.
“I was a little nervous after the first two rounds,” Camarena-Williams said. “After that, I just calmed down and got some good throws. I’m just really excited to represent my country.”
“I would have liked to have thrown farther today,” Hasslen said. “I’m happy with how I threw today compared to what I’ve been throwing the last three weeks after my injury. It’s bittersweet, I want to be happy with how far I threw but at the same time I know I can throw farther. It is very frustrating. I’m taking a step in the right direction and I’m excited for what is coming in the future. I’m only a junior so I’m excited for what is to come.”
Moline, a junior from Phoenix, broke her own school record for the third time this season, clocking a personal-best time of 54.72 in heat one of the 400-meter hurdles. She took first place in heat one and second place overall. The finals will be Sunday, and Moline will be looking for a top-three finish to earn a berth on Team USA.
“I trusted myself and just went,” Moline said. “I always run the same, so I wouldn’t say I saved anything, I just ran how I usually do.
UA junior and NCAA champion Brigetta Barrett will compete in the final of the women’s high jump on Saturday.
