Sports
Strickland qualifies for Olympic Trials

Apr 24, 2008

Former Wilton High track standout Carrie Strickland earned a qualifying time for the upcoming U.S. Olympic Trials in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at an event in California last week.

Strickland, 24, who now lives and works outside Portland, Ore., finished first in the steeplechase with a time of 9:59.66 while competing in the Mt. SAC Relays in Walnut, Cal. She was competing for the Nike-sponsored Bowerman Athletic Club.

“I was hopeful of qualifying for trials, but I didn’t think it would happen this soon,” said Strickland. “I was cautiously optimistic but thought I would have to go to a few more meets to make it.”

Strickland needed to have a time of 10:10.0 or under to earn an automatic qualifying spot in the Olympic Trials, which will take place June 27-July 6 in Eugene, Ore.

A 2001 Wilton High graduate, Strickland ran indoor and outdoor track and was captain of the cross country team while at Princeton University. She ran several steeplechase races in college but was limited because of injuries. Her previous best time in the 3,000-meter steeplechase was 10:37.




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