July 19, 2004
Junior Selim Nurudeen (Friendswood, Texas) finished 24th at the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in the 110-meter hurdles over the weekend, completing Notre Dame Track and Field’s involvement with the trials. Nurudeen, who advanced to the semifinals by finishing sixth in heat one of the preliminaries (13.95), ran 14.13 in heat two of the semifinals.
In much the same manner as Molly Huddle’s seventh-place finish in the women’s 5,000 meters earlier last week, Nurudeen’s Olympic Trials effort is a perfect ending to an outstanding season. A four-time BIG EAST Champion (including his third-straight title in the 110-meter hurdles this season), Nurudeen qualified for both NCAA Championship meets (indoor and outdoor) for the first time in his career. He finished 15th in the 60-meter hurdles at the national indoor meet, then ended up 10th in the 110-meter hurdles at the outdoor meet.
Establishing himself as one of the best hurdlers in Notre Dame history this season, Nurudeen was also arguably the most valuable athlete on the men’s track and field team. His outstanding BIG EAST outdoor championship performance included an individual title in the 110-meter hurdles, a runner-up finish in the 200 meters and runner-up finishes in both the 4×100-meter and 4×400-meter relays.
Two former Irish standouts competed in the trials over the last week as well. Luke Watson, a 2003 graduate, finished 14th in the finals of the 5,000 meters (13:53.49). Tameisha King, also a ’03 graduate, ended up sixth in the women’s long jump, posting a best jump of 6.47m (21-2 3/4) in the finals.
Full Notre Dame track and field U.S. Olympic Trials Recap:
Men’s 100-meter hurdles:
Selim Nurudeen (will be a senior in 2004-05), 24th, (13.95 in prelims, 14.13 in finals)
Women’s 5,000 meters:
Molly Huddle (will be a junior in 2004-05), 7th (15:47.15 in prelims, 15:37.92 in finals)
Men’s 5,000 meters:
Luke Watson (2003 graduate), 14th (13:45.53 in prelims, 13:53.49 in finals)
Women’s Long Jump:
Tameisha King (2003 graduate), 6th (6.41m – 21-0 1/2 in prelims, 6.47m – 21-2 3/4 in finals)
Men’s 10,000 meters:
Ryan Shay (2002 graduate), 10th (28:49.95 in finals)