Former Kansas University sprinter Kyle Clemons is officially an Olympian after he was selected to the American 4×400-meter relay squad that will compete next month in Rio, Team USA announced Monday. Clemons, who ran for the Jayhawks from 2010-13, is the fifth current or former member of the Kansas track and field team to earn a trip to the 2016 Olympic Games.
Clemons turned in a strong showing in the 400 meters last week at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore. The Rowlett, Texas, native ran a career-best 44.79 seconds in the 400-meter prelims before claiming sixth in a time of 45.39 in the final on Sunday.
Still the KU record holder in both the indoor and outdoor 400, Clemons has established himself as one of the top American quarter-milers since turning professional three years ago.
The two-time Big 12 Champion was the U.S. Indoor 400-meter champion in 2014 and has twice helped the American 4×400-meter relay to a gold medal at the 2014 and 2016 IAAF World Indoor Championships.
The first round of the 4×400-meter relay in Rio is on Friday, Aug. 19.
