Former Clemson Star Rollins Named USATF Athlete of the Week

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (www.usatf.org) – Brianna Rollins has been named USA Track & Field’s Athlete of the Week after setting an American record in the women’s 100 meter hurdles at the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Des Moines, Iowa on June 22.

Rollins won the 100m hurdle final in a blazing time of 12.26 (+1.2) setting a new American record winning her first USA title. Rollins’ time is the fourth fastest ever, gives her three of the top four marks on this season’s current world list, and set a Drake Stadium record.

“I just wanted to make the world team. I didn’t go into the meet trying to set the American record,” Rollins said. “I’m a very confident athlete and I wanted to win, but I wasn’t going out trying to set a record.”

Rollins galloped to a win in a competitive field that included Olympic bronze medalist Kellie Wells, indoor American 60m hurdle record holder Lolo Jones and four other top 10 women in the world this year.

“I try not to think about the competitors because that can instill fear,” Rollins said. “Instead, I try to focus on running a relaxed race and on executing the proper techniques.”

Gail Devers, the three-time Olympic gold medalist, previously held the American record of 12.33 seconds from 2000.

“It felt great to look up at the scoreboard and see my time.'” Rollins said. “It felt even better when they announced it throughout the stadium. It is such an honor to even have the opportunity to break the record. It’s proof of the hard work and dedication I’ve shown this past season.”

Rollins, along with the top-three finishers Queen Harrison and Nia Ali, respectively, will represent the USA at the World Championships August 10-18 in Moscow. London Olympic silver medalist Dawn Harper received an automatic bid for the team as the reigning Diamond League champion.

“It means a lot to represent the U.S. at the World Championships,” Rollins said. “Everyone’s goal at the beginning of this year was to make the team. In order for me to do that, I had to refocus and I was able to do that.”

This is the second time Rollins has garnered USATF’s Athlete of the Week honor. The first time occurred after she ran 12.39, setting a collegiate record, in the women’s 100m hurdles final of the NCAA Championships on June 8.

Rollins had one of many spectacular performances during the USA outdoor championships. Tyson Gay won both the 100m and 200m. In less than two hours, Gay ran 9.75 seconds in both the semi-finals and final of the 100m. Michele Carter and Amanda Bingson set American records in the throws, as Carter put the shot 20.24m/66-5 and Bingson launched the hammer 75.73m/248-5.

Now in its 12th year, USATF’s Athlete of the Week program is designed to recognize outstanding performers at all levels of the sport. USATF names a new honoree each week and features the athlete on www.usatf.org. Selections are based on top performances and results from the previous week.

2013 Winners: January 9, Bobby Mack; January 16, Mary Cain; January 22, Ajeé Wilson; January 30, Duane Solomon; February 6, Chris Derrick; February 13, Jeremy Taiwo; February 20, Alysia Montaño; February 27, Galen Rupp; March 6, Jenn Suhr; March 13, Tia Brooks; March 20, Bridget Franek; March 27, Ben True; April 3, Darvis “Doc” Patton; April 10, Octavious Freeman; April 24, Erik Kynard; May 1, Queen Harrison; May 8, Tyson Gay; May 15, Jon Olsen; May 22, Mary Cain; May 29, Michael Tinsley; June 5, Mary Cain; June 12, Brianna Rollins; June 26, Brianna Rollins