Image Credit: Gregory Bull / AP
The 2016 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team was set during trials held in early July, and though more than two dozen former and current Florida Gators participated, four ultimately earned the opportunity to compete for the United States in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Below is a full breakdown of those that qualified both in the U.S. and abroad.
Qualified for the Olympics (United States)
Kerron Clement (2004-05): 400m hurdles
– Clement won the silver medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He will be competing in his third Olympic games, becoming the 23rd Florida athlete and ninth UF American to do so.
Kerron Clement went full beast mode to win the 400m #Gators #Rio2016 – https://t.co/WzHCixwhsw
— Only Gators .com (@onlygators) July 11, 2016
Will Claye (2011): Triple jump
– Claye won silver in the triple jump at the 2012 London Olympics.
Christian Taylor (2009-11): Triple jump
– Taylor won gold in the triple jump at the 2012 London Olympics.
Marquis Dendy (2012-15): Long jump
– Dendy qualifies for his first Olympics by edging fellow Gators’ jumper Will Claye, who finished third but did not meet the qualifying standard.
Arman Hall (2013-15): 4x400m relay
– Hall was selected for the team after not placing for the 400m relay.
Qualified for the Olympics (International)
Genevieve LaCaze — Australia (2009-12): 3000m steeplechase, 5000m steeplechase
Kemal Mesic — Bosnia (2009-11): Shot put
Stipe Zunic — Croatia (2011-15): Shot put
Shara Proctor — Great Britain (2006-07): Long jump
Andres Arroyo — Puerto Rico (2014-Present): 800 meters
Eddie Lovett — U.S. Virgin Islands (2010-14): 100m hurdles