O'Brien hits Olympic Trial mark at Oregon Twilight Meet

May 9, 2008

By Gary Petit

EUGENE, ORE. — Ohio Northern junior Jimmy O'Brien hit the U.S. Olympic Trial "B" standard in the 800-meter run Friday evening at the Oregon Twilight Meet at Historic Hayward Field, site of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials in June.

O'Brien, a two-time 800-meter national champion, ran an ONU-record 1:48.45 to eclipse the Olympic Trials "B" standard of 1:48.50. His time is the fifth-fastest 800-meter performance in NCAA Division III history.

"The race went absolutely perfect," said O'Brien. "I got out well and waited in lane one till the final turn. I then just swung wide and kicked it out."

"This was just an awesome experience. Everyone here loves track and there are some amazing athletes"

The Pemberville-native won his heat and finished sixth of 14 in a field that included international and professional athletes. His performance is also the fastest time in Division III this season.

"It was just an incredible experience," said ONU assistant coach Jason Maus. "This is the pinnacle of track & field. The stands were packed and the atmosphere was amazing."

The U.S. Olympic trials will be held in Eugene, Ore, on June 27 through July 6.

Next up for O'Brien will be a trip to Oshkosh, Wis., where he will try to defend his 800-meter national title at the 2008 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships on May 22-24.