GCU MEDIA RELATIONS - Six years into the program's existence, the Grand Canyon track and field program has its first ever athlete to qualify for the Olympics. GCU's
Tarasue Barnett will represent Jamaica in the 2016 Olympics after taking first place in the Jamaica National Trails in the discus.
Joining Barnett in the Olympics will also be GCU volunteer coach,
Kenia Sinclair, after qualifying for Jamaica as well after an A standard in the 800m run. Sinclair finished second in the 800m final with a time of 2:00.11.
"It is an amazing feeling to represent my country and my school," Barnett said. "I went into the trials very confident because I had competed against some of the best talent in the world while at GCU."
Barnett set the tone right out of the gate throwing 59.03m in her first throw, which proved to be the best throw in the trials. After a big throw in the first round, Barnett made every other competitor chase her mark and after three rounds Barnett was the only athlete to reach the 59m mark.
After not being able to compete in the NCAA Track and Field Outdoor Championships due to GCU's Division I transition, Barnett proved that she was among the elite throwers in the NCAA this season as she beat out the No. 2 ranked thrower in the NCAA Kellion Knibb, from Florida State, and the No. 4 thrower, Shadae Lawrence, from Kansas State.
The trio of Barnett, Knibb and Lawrence all qualified for the Olympics this year, the first time Jamaica has sent three throwers to the Olympics.
"To be a part of the first trio of Jamaicans that will go to the Olympics is a huge honor and extremely humbling," Barnett added. "I felt comfortable seeing some familiar faces in the competition so I knew what I was going up against and I am glad I was able to come out on top."
The reigning WAC Athlete of the Year in the outdoor season had a few more familiar faces at the trials besides in the competition. GCU track and field head coach
Tom Flood and throws coach
Joe Riccio made the trip to Jamaica to help Barnett along the way and help send her to Rio.
"I am very proud of Tarasue and her amazing accomplishment," Flood said. "To represent your country at the Olympic Games is the highest honor that any track and field athlete can achieve. She will proudly represent Jamaica and Grand Canyon University at the Rio Games in August."
Riccio has always been by Barnett's side, constantly working with her to improve her throwing and mark. All of the hard work and dedication has paid off and now Barnett is rewarded with a trip to the 2016 Olympics.
"Coach Riccio has done an outstanding job with Tarasue and all our throwers all year," Flood added. "He deserves a tremendous amount of credit for her success."
Barnett was not the only member of GCU's program to compete at the Jamaica trials as
Sasha-Gaye Marston also competed in the discus,
Vanessa Levy participated in the hammer throw and Sinclair, ran in the 800m event. Marston finished in seventh place throwing 51.30m and Levy finished in fourth place.