Although none of the Rutgers affiliated athletes who competed at the U.S. Track & Field Olympic Trials last weekend advanced to a final round, there was some good news regarding an alumnus last night. Out of 24 competitors in the qualifying round for men's discus, former Rutgers track athlete James Plummer advanced to the final round with a throw of 191-2 feet. He secured the last of 12 spots in the finals, which take place at 6:30 p.m. this evening.
Although Plummer was almost 30 feet off of the leader, his personal best and school record of 205-11 achieved in 2013 gives him a chance to secure one of two spots on the US Olympic team. Plummer was a first team All-American in his senior season that year, and he was a three-time Big East and Penn Relays champion in the discus. He was also a member of Team USA in 2013 after finishing in third place at the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
Live results of the discus final taking place in Eugene, Oregon, better known as Tracktown USA, can be viewed here. Here is footage of Plummer competing for Rutgers during his senior season. Best of luck to James in tonight's discus final!
UPDATE: Plummer finished 8th in the finals with a throw of 190-9. A great effort nonetheless and congrats to James for making it so far.