June 24, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - On the heels of her outstanding performance at the 2009 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, Lynette Rives (Clarksville, Tenn.) has qualified for the USA National Track and Field Championships to be held in Eugene, Ore., later this week.  She is one of only 32 sprinters to compete in the 200m and one of only nine running representing their undergraduate institutions.

Rounding out her career of firsts, Rives will become the first Belmont track and field athlete, male or female, to compete at the annual gathering of the nation's best.  She also holds the distinction of being only the second BU track and field athlete to be named All-American.  Last month, the Clarksville, Tenn., native, who already holds seven school records, became the first Belmont athlete to compete at back-to-back NCAA Championships in any event.

"I am really excited about going," Rives said.  "I have never run at this level, competing against professionals.  It's a new experience and I'm ready."

"She has proven she is one of the nation's elite.  Only five percent of collegiate sprinters get to compete at this level," said Belmont women's track and field assistant coach Cameron Harvey.  "This is a testament to how hard she's worked over her career.  It's a great finish to her career, competing against Olympic gold medalists and professional athletes."

The first round of competition for the 200m is slated for 6:50 pm CT on Saturday, June 27.  The semifinal and final rounds are on Sunday afternoon at 2:24 pm and 4:52 pm CT, respectively.

USA Track and Field is providing live streaming video of the entire meet.  Click here to view.