Uceny Earns Olympic Berth
The former Plymouth High School track star raced to a convincing victory in the 1,500 meters at the U.S. Track Trials in Eugene, Oregon.
Uceny, a 2003 PHS graduate, needed a top three finish to qualify for the games which begin later this month in London. She left nothing to chance by winning the race, where she is ranked No. 1 in the World, in a time of 4:04.59.
Uceny used a strong finish to easily outdistance runner-up Shannon Rowbury (4:05.11) with a large contingent of family and friends looking on at the University of Oregon. Defending champion Jenny Simpson placed third in 4:05.17.
“Now that I’ve made the team I’m just so excited,” said Uceny following the race broadcast live on NBC. “I’ve never been in better condition this early in the season, so I’m just going to take advantage of that and do the best I can to get a medal for the U.S.”
Uceny, who attended Cornell University, captured her second straight U.S. title. She placed fourth in the 1,500 at the 2008 Olympic Trials. Her first competition in London is scheduled for preliminary heats on Aug. 6.
Uceny was a state champion in the 800-meter run while competing for Plymouth in 2002. She also played basketball and ran cross country for the Pilgrims.
Uceny, who is believed to be the first-ever Olympian from Plymouth, is the daughter of Marty and Brenda Uceny.