July 3, 2008

EUGENE, Ore. – Former South Carolina standout Natasha Hastings qualified to compete in Thursday night’s 400-meter dash final for a chance at her first Olympic berth. Following two scheduled rest days, the U.S. Olympic Trials are set to resume today at the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.

Hastings will compete at 11:05 p.m. (EST) after qualifying with a 51.04 to place fourth in Monday’s semifinal round. Tonight’s television coverage will run from 11 p.m. – 1 a.m. (EST) on the USA Network. A 10-time All-American, Hastings has a career-best of 49.84 in the 400-meter dash that she set at the USA World Championships last summer, a time that set a collegiate record and earned her silver medal honors. She will also compete in the 200-meter dash at the Olympic Trials beginning Friday.

A 10-time All-American and 2007 Honda Award finalist, Hastings had her best season at South Carolina in 2007 when she earned three NCAA championships and was named the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) NCAA National Women’s Track Athlete of the Year. Hastings earned national titles in the 400-meter dash (indoor and outdoor) as well as the 4×400-meter relay (indoor) while also earning NCAA East Regional Championships in the 200-meter dash, 400-meter dash and the 4×400-meter relay.

Hastings also claims seven SEC Championships as an individual and as a member of relay teams.