Aug. 19, 2008
In the Fast Lane with Jose Acevedo
Going the Distance with David Freeman
Clearing Hurdles with Mikel Thomas
On the Moooooove with Coach Tucker
Beijing, China – University of Kentucky hurdler Mikel Thomas completed his second-round heat of the 110 meter hurdles during the 2008 Summer Olympic Games held at the National Stadium in Beijing, China, Tuesday. Thomas, a native of Trinidad and Tobago, crossed the line in 13.62 to place sixth in his heat.
After a false start charged to another athlete, Thomas outpaced two of his competitors through the line of hurdles. Thomas’ time improved upon his first-round time of 13.69 and was his best performance since a wind-aided 13.57 finish at the NCAA Mideast Regional in May.
American David Payne led the three semifinal automatic qualifiers across the finish in a time of 13.24.
“Mikel ran another wind-legal personal record giving it all he had, but today it was not enough to move on,” said UK assistant coach for sprints, hurdles and relays Erin Tucker said. “This learning experience will be great for him as he starts his fourth and final year at UK.”
Thomas’ race concluded the participation of UK’s track and field athletes at the 2008 Summer Games. The Wildcats will remain in Beijing through the Olympic Closing Ceremonies.
Big Blue fans can find the Kentucky track and field contingent’s thoughts on the Olympic experience by clicking the UK Olympics button on the UKathletics.com homepage. The special Wildcat Olympians webpage contains bios and features blogs frequently updated by each of the track athletes and UK assistant coach Erin Tucker throughout the Beijing Games.
Stay tuned to UKathletics.com for the latest UK track and field news.
University of Kentucky 2008 Summer Olympic Games Track and Field Participants
Jose Acevedo (Venezuela) — 200m dash
David Freeman (Puerto Rico) — 1500m run
Mikel Thomas (Trinidad and Tobago) — 110m hurdles
Coach Erin Tucker (Venezuela) — Guest coach
