TicketsJuly 4, 2008
CINCINNATI - Former University of Cincinnati track star Mary Wineberg earned a spot on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team, which will compete at this summer's Beijing Olympics, by finishing second in the 400 meters with a time of 50.85. She finished one second behind the world's No. 1-ranked Sanya Richards (49.98).
"It feels amazing," said Wineberg after the race. "I am 28 years old and this is my first Olympics, but hopefully not my last. I am so happy and blessed to be here. It's been a long four years of trying to make myself known and I am just so happy to do what I did today. The Lord allowed me to get this far and this is truly a blessing. I just try and improve every race. I am going to try and medal at the Olympic games."
Wineberg, a 2002 graduate of UC, currently ranks fourth in the world in the 400-meter dash. She won a gold medal in the 4x400 relay last fall at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, Japan. With her finish, Wineberg will almost assuredly earn a spot on the U.S.'s 4x400 meter team.
For more information on Wineberg visit her web site at www.marywineberg.com.
David Payne became the second former Bearcat to earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic team after finishing third in the 110-meter hurdles at the Trials on Sunday, July 6.
Payne crossed the finish line in 13.25, behind David Oliver (12.95) and Terrence Trammell (13.00), who will join Payne as U.S. representatives in Beijing in August.