Six athletes from San Diego State University are gearing up for the opportunity to compete in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Five of them will be participating in the U.S. track and field Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon, while senior Meredith Smithbaker will be swimming in the preliminaries of the 50-meter freestyle in Indianapolis. Xiamara Young, a junior from Las Vegas, will be competing in the triple jump event in Eugene as well.
Young achieved a personal best and Olympic Trial qualifying mark of 13.51 meters, securing her spot in the collegiate championship meet. She transferred from Fresno Pacific and had an impressive first year at SDSU, earning recognition as a U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-American. She currently ranks fourth in the triple jump on both the indoor and outdoor all-time lists at San Diego State.
In addition to the current athletes, two SDSU alumni are also vying for spots on the U.S. track roster. Danae Dyer, a 2023 graduate, will be competing in the 100-meter hurdles, while Kristen Brown will be participating in the pole vault event. Brown previously made it to the finals at the 2020 trials and has a strong track record as a former SDSU athlete.
On the swimming front, Smithbaker will be representing SDSU in the 50-meter freestyle preliminary heats. She qualified for the U.S. Olympic trials after an impressive performance at the TYR Pro Championships last summer. Smithbaker has been a key contributor to SDSU’s success in swimming, helping the team secure multiple conference championships.
Looking beyond the U.S. team, there are also Aztec athletes aiming to secure spots on the Jamaica Olympic Team. Shaquena Foote will be competing in the 400-meter dash at the JAAA/Puma National Championships, while Shanieka Ricketts will be showcasing her skills in the triple jump event. Ricketts, a San Diego State Hall of Famer, has a strong competitive history and will be striving to make her third appearance at the Olympic Games.
As the athletes gear up for the trials and competitions ahead, all eyes will be on their performances as they strive for the opportunity to represent their countries at the prestigious Paris Olympics scheduled for July. The dedication, hard work, and talent of these athletes exemplify the spirit of sportsmanship and excellence, bringing pride to the San Diego State University community and beyond.