University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Pearson Gains Experience at UK Trials
07.13.2008 | Track and Field
BIRMINGHAM, England? UNC Asheville sprinter Natalie Pearson will have to wait four more years for another chance to realize her Olympic Dream but running against the best sprinters in the United Kingdom will prepare her for 2012.
Pearson finished seventh in heat one with a time of 25.29 on Saturday at the Aviva National Championships at Alexander Stadium. It was Pearson's first race since injuries forced her to red-shirt this spring at UNC Asheville. Pearson was the second youngest runner in her heat and although her performance on Saturday was three-quarters of a second off her personal best of 24.53, she knew going in she was really running for 2012.
"I feel like I'm in good shape but I'm not used to racing so it's really kind of daunting," said Pearson prior to the race. "I'd really like to compete in the 2012 Olympics because they're in London."
Joice Maduaka, 34, won the heat with a time of 23.78 and Amina Ceesay Jaitheh, 28, was second with a mark of 24.24. Both women will compete for the spot on the UK Olympic team on Sunday.
Pearson was the Big South Conference Rookie of the Year in 2007 when she ran her personal best at the Big South Championships in Lynchburg, Va. She will return to Asheville for her Junior year and hopes that her experience at the trails will aid her in the up coming track season.
"It is exciting to be able to compete against the best runners in England," said Pearson prior to the event. "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."
