Aug. 17, 2008
BEIJING, China - Representing the countries of Trinidad and Tobago and Nigeria, respectively, rising senior Aleesha Barber (Decatur, Ga.) and Nittany Lion alum Toyin Augustus took on the world on Sunday, competing in the 100-meter hurdles at the 2008 Olympic Games. Although both Nittany Lions recorded strong performances neither managed to advance to the next round.
Toyin Augustus |
Barber would come up painfully short of a time qualifier, as her 13.01 was just .03 seconds off the competition's final advanced athlete. Reïna-Flor Okori of France, and Aurelia Trywianska-Kollasch of Poland were the last two athletes to advance on time, both running 12.98. The Penn State senior, who holds the national record of Trinidad and Tobago at 12.98, finished fourth in her preliminary heat in her first Olympic experience. Augustus, who was also making her first Olympic appearance, placed seventh in her opening round section, clocking 13.34.
Barber and Augustus are the first Nittany Lion women's track and field athletes - current or former - to make an appearance in an individual event on the Olympic stage. Barber will be senior eligible the 2008-09 indoor season, while Augustus is a 2001 Penn State graduate.