After finishing sixth in the 800 meters at the Jamaican Track and Field Olympic Trials, University at Buffalo junior Asia Henry eanred a spot in an international competition.
Henry was chosen to represent Jamaica at the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Under-23 Championships in Mexico, begining Friday and ending on Sunday. The meet is held every two years in one of the 32-member countries of NACAC, which is one of six regional associations affiliated with the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).
Henry will be one of three Jamacians entered in the 800 meters. She took sixth at the Olympic trials in Kingston, where she finished in 2:08.51 in front of 25,000 spectators at National Stadium.
"With 25,000 in attendance, I think this was an eye-opening experience for Asia,: head coach Perry Jenkins said in a University at Buffalo press release after the trials. "I am extremely impressed with the high-level that Asia has been able to compete in all year and I know she is so grateful for all of the opportunities that she has had. Each time I think she surprised herself, but I knew along what she was capable of."
In June, Henry set the UB school record at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, running the 800 in 2:04.65 to finish 14th.
--- Amy Moritz
