Murray State sprinter Alexis Love's tremendous 2012 season came to an end Friday when she was eliminated from the semifinals of the 200 meter run at the USA Olympic Track & Field Trials at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon in Eugene, Ore.
Running from lane two, Love placed sixth in her heat with a time of 23.10, faster than the 23.15 she posted yesterday in the first round and not far from her Murray State and Ohio Valley Conference record of 23.03. Since Love didn't make the top-2 in her heat, she could only make the final by having one of the next two fastest times of the 18 ladies in the three heats. Central Florida's Aurieyall Scott was the last qualifier for the final at 22.56.
“This was a great season,” Love said. “I've learned a lot and I'm thankful for every opportunity I was blessed with. It felt good to represent Murray State on so many levels. I'm looking forward to another successful season.”
Love said why stop with just one Racer in the Olympic Trials?
“I plan on bringing some of my teammates with me next time!” Love said.
Love, who was the OVC Female Track Athlete of the Year, was part of rare company of only five of the 18 semifinalists that are still student-athletes. The other 13 competitors are finished with college and are competing fulltime.
Love also made it to the semifinals of the 100 meter run before she was eliminated.
“I am so proud of Alexis and the season she has had,” MSU Head Coach Jenny Severns said. “She really stepped up this year and I'm excited to see what the future holds for her.”
Love, from Palmetto, Fla., will be a senior at Murray State in the fall.