Gill earns a spot in the Olympics
This year’s Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, will feature a current Javelina.
Sophomore Shaun Gill from Belize City, Belize, will not only represent his homeland in South America but he also represents Javelina Nation.
Gill, due to COVID-19, did not compete his first season here on campus but came ready to compete during the 2021 indoor track season, competing in the Washburn Open in Topeka, Kan., and Lone Star Conference Indoor Championships.
In the national meet, Feb. 20-21, Gill ended the meet with a sixth-place finish in the 60m with a time of 7.00.
Gill, along with his teammates, trained for the outdoor season and was successful throughout the season.
The outdoor track campaign saw Gill post a personal best 22.27 in the 200m dash at the Bobcat Invitational on March 25 to 27, taking home a 12th overall finish. A week later on April 2, he would have another personal best finish in the 100m dash at 10.75 at the David Noble Relays in San Angelo, Texas.
Head coach Ryan Dall is proud of Gill.
“It’s great that Shaun has this opportunity to compete at the Olympics. It will be a great experience for him,” Dall said. “I’m very proud of him for being selected by his country. I know that the other athletes on the team will have a lot of questions for him about the experience, and I think it inspires them to really go for their goals.”
Gill is a sophomore with more years to grow and gain experience in order to be ready for more opportunities like this one. Gill will be running in the 100m dash for his country along with his fellow countrywoman Samantha Dirks who will compete in the 400m. The men’s 100m preliminary round will take place on Saturday, July 31, followed by the semifinal round on Sunday, Aug. 1. The 100m finals are scheduled for later in the evening on Aug. 1.
“This selection was based on their performances over the years leading up to the Olympic Games. We are confident that these two athletes will continue to represent us well at these events,” reads a letter from the Belize Athletics Association.
Due to COVID-19 spikes in Tokyo, the Olympics will be held without spectators but can be viewed on television. The Tokyo 2021 Olympics begins July 23 and ends Aug. 8.