After a long career of ups and downs, Sam Vazquez is headed to London. The Flagler Palm Coast graduate was lengendary here in Florida during his high school career. He holds the state record in the 1600 with his 4:02.46 that came at the adidas Outdoor Championships in 2003. Since that time though, he had a rocky road to get to this point. It included an unsucessful stint at the University of Arkansas, before returning home for a prolonged collegiate career at Embry-Riddle University in Daytona Beach under the tuteledge of his former high school coach Peter Hopfe.
Patience and hard work pays off. At the American Miler's Series Meet in Indiana yesterday, Sam ran a Puerto Rican national record when he ran a 3:37.60 in the 1500 against some of the top milers in the country. That time gets him under the Olympic B standard of 3:38 and for the Puerto Rican native should secure his spot in London. What a great day!
Hey... how long have we been following Sammy Vazquez? Well let's just say his athlete ID in the flrunners/MileSplit database is 56. Hah! Take a look at his athlete profile...
Back in March, the Palm Coast Observer did a nice story on Sam's career and spoke of his dream to meet that 3:38 this summer and make the Olympics. Dreams come true! Here's that story... it's a nice read, especially since we now know the wonderful ending!!
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Genevieve LaCaze Qualifies Again
Speaking of having a great day! Earlier today Genevieve LaCaze found out that Athletics Australia had ruled in he favor and would extend the qualifying deadline to hit the Olympic standard until June 22. That ruling validated her 3,000 Steeplechase performance from earlier in the week and effectively added her to the Australian team.
Later in the day, she competed in Indiana for the second time in the week and now, within the newly amended deadline, hit the qualifying standard AGAIN this time in the 1,500 meters. The recent University of Florida graduate won the event with a time of 4:12.48, which meets the Olympic A standard.
Meet Results from American Milers Series #4...