June 22, 2009

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago – Kentucky sprinter Rondel Sorrillo claimed a gold medal Sunday by winning the men’s 200m dash title during the Trinidad and Tobago National Open Track and Field Championships at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.

The UK varsity record holder in the 200m dash ran 20.62 to clinch the gold over his countrymen on day two of the championships. The win continues Sorrillo’s success in the 200m dash over the past year. He advanced to the quarterfinals of the half-lap event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics last summer. At UK he followed that up by setting both the indoor and outdoor school records and earning All-America honors in both races. He finished second in the nation earlier this month at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, clocking in at 20.45.

On the first day of the Trinidad and Tobago Championships, the UK junior finished seventh in the 100m dash crossing the finish in 10.28.

“I was extremely pleased that Rondel was able to win a major title this year,” UK assistant coach for sprints and hurdles Erin Tucker said. “To be recognized as his country’s national champion is a great honor for him and his family.”

Five Wildcats are slated to compete at the 2009 United States Track and Field Championships held at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore., later this week, June 25 – 28. Kristin Smith (hammer throw) and Ashley Muffet (discus) will join departed seniors Chase Madison (discus), Rashaud Scott (discus) and Ashley Trimble (heptathlon) in the competition out west.

Stay tuned to UKathletics.com for further track and field updates.