O'Brien hits Olympic Trial mark at Oregon Twilight Meet

Jimmy O'Brien

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.

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