Highsmith Competes at 2008 Olympic Trials

STORRS, Conn. (June 30, 2008) - Tamara Highsmith (East Haven, Conn.), a 2008 graduating senior for the University of Connecticut women's track and field team, came in 17th of 24 in the triple jump preliminaries as she competed at the Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore. on June 27.

Highsmith recorded a jump of 43-09.00 in the preliminaries for the 17th spot but performed a good series of jumps, keeping her in competition against the best athletes in the country.

"Tamara showed great composure and focus at the biggest meet of the year," said UConn head coach Bill Morgan. "This meet puts her in good position for when she competes with the USA Under-23 National Team."

The Connecticut native was also selected for the USA U-23 National Team that will compete in Toluca, Mexico July 18-20. Highsmith becomes the third athlete in program history to be named to a USA National Team.

She follows five-time All-American Deirdre Mullen, who was a member of the 2004 USA Under-23 Team in the high jump as the USA competed in Sherbrooke, Canada. Mullen will compete in the high jump at the Olympic Trials this week for her second time at the trails, after competing in 2004.

"She competed very well and improved on her All-American performance from the National Championships." added Morgan.

Highsmith earned All-America honors in June, as she took the title with a successful seventh place finish at the NCAA Championship. The two-time All-American was given the honor after the indoor season as well, as she also finished seventh in the triple jump at the NCAA meet in Arkansas. She recorded the 22nd All-America title for the program overall with the honor.

-UCONN-