Summer Olympics 2004

3 USF athletes head to U.S. trials

By PETE YOUNG
Published July 6, 2004

Jimmy Baxter is one of three South Florida athletes, along with Dayana Octavien (women's discus) and Amber Delpino (women's 400 meter hurdles), competing in the U.S. Olympic Trials beginning Friday in Sacramento, Calif.

Former USF sprinters Kemel Thompson and Llewelyn Bredwood were on Jamaica's 2000 Olympic team, but Baxter, Octavien and Delpino are the first from USF to go to the U.S. trials.

All three completed their eligibility this spring. Delpino, from Pensacola, is an Olympic long shot. Baxter (St. Petersburg) and Octavien (Naples) aren't favorites, but are considered serious contenders.

USF track coach Greg Thiel said other coaches have raved about Octavien's ability.

"Dayana's got a heck of a shot," Thiel said. "She's just an incredible talent."

Delpino has made a rapid rise after switching from the 400 meters to 400 hurdles her junior year.

"From never running it to No. 18 in America," Thiel said of her U.S. Track and Field ranking, "What Amber has done is amazing."

Considering USF fielded its first track team just 12 years ago, Thiel is elated to be providing a trio of Olympic contenders.

"Three Florida kids - it's a testament to Florida athletes, it's a testament to how far this program has come," he said. "These three kids impress me to no end."

[Last modified July 6, 2004, 10:46:38]