 When the top American women 100 meter hurdlers line up for the Olympic Trials on July 5 in Eugene, OR, Howard University will be represented by Landria Buckley. A rising junior from Romulus, MI, Buckley qualified after turning in a career-best 13.24 at the NCAA nationals and earned All American honors.
"I am really excited and honored to compete in this," said Buckley, an English major. "I will be running with professional athletes and people who have been running professionally for years. Even if I don’t make it, I am sure it will be a great experience." The top three finalists will represent the USA in the Olympics
Buckley served notice during her freshman season in 2007 when she finished second in the MEAC in the event. She then went on to the NCAA East Regionals and finished a respectable 11th with a time of 14.25.
In addition to her Olympic Trials invitation, Buckley was named to the US Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All East Region team. She points to that experience as a catalys for this year’s success.
"I realized that there is a big difference between high school and college," says Buckley. "The workouts are a lot harder and there are a lot more of them. And from a competition standpoint, you are competing against the best in the country."
Howard University head coach Michael Merritt, who has watched Buckley’s progress up close and personal, offers his assessment: "She has really stepped up this year. She has worked hard and that is the joy of this, to be able to see her reach this level. It is wonderful to have her on the team and representing Howard University."
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