July 2, 2016
EUGENE, Ore. -
Former San Diego State track and field athlete Whitney Ashley secured a bid to the Rio Olympics with a victory in the discus throw Saturday morning at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore.
Ashley, a 2012 NCAA champion in the discus while with the Aztecs, finished first out of the 12 finalists with a best throw of 204 feet, 2 inches (62.25m). Her best mark came on her fifth of six attempts.
Representing Nike, Ashley will be joined in Rio by fellow qualifiers Shelbi Vaughn (Texas A&M) and Kelsey Card (Wisconsin).
Ashley will be the first SDSU track and field Olympian since Marla Runyan qualified in the 5,000-meter run in 2004 and the first discus qualifier since Ramona Pagel in 1988. She will also be the 13th Olympian in San Diego State women's track and field history.
The discus throw at the Rio Olympics will start on Aug. 15.
Shanieka Thomas will look to secure an Olympic bid of her own Sunday in the triple jump at the Jamaican Senior National Championships. The triple jump is slated for a 5:30 p.m. CT start.
U.S. Olympic Trials
Hayward Field - Eugene, Ore.
July 1-10, 2016
Individual Results
Discus Throw (finals) (out of 12 entrants)
1. Whitney Ashley (Nike) - 204-02 (62.25m) (qualified for Rio Olympics)