ASHEVILLE, N.C.-- UNC Asheville Sprinter Natalie Pearson has been invited to run in Great Britain's Norwich Union Olympic Track and Field Trials on July 12, in Birmingham, England.
Pearson the 2007 Big South Indoor Track and Field Rookie of the Year qualified for the trials by virtue of being ranked in the top 25 in England for the under 23 age group in the 200 meter race.
The Sheffeild, England native battled an injury through the 2008 spring track season at UNC Asheville but has been preparing for the trials this summer.
“It is exciting to be able to compete against the best runners in England,” said Pearson. “My aspirations are not for the Olympics this time around but this race will give me great experience as I prepare myself for future Olympic trials.”
In 2005, she was the North of England champion in the 200 meters with a time of 25.23. Since being in
Asheville, she has reduced her time in the 200 meters running a 24.90 while finishing third in the Big South Indoor Meet and currently has a personal record of 24.43 that she ran in the Big South Conference Outdoor Meet at Liberty University.
Pearson is a raising junior at UNC Asheville is coached by Asheville coaches Brad DeWeese, Jesse Norman, and Joel Williams. DeWeese is also coaching his wife Jenny who is attempting to qualify for the United States Olympic Team in the marathon.
