Three current Ducks qualify for IAAF Track & Field World Championships

Oregon has often been known as a school that helps produce the world’s best distance runners, but now that reach is extending to other events.

At this past week’s USA Track & Field Championships in Sacramento, current Ducks Ariana Washington, Deajah Stevens and Damarcus Simpson all qualified for a spot on Team USA at this summer’s IAAF World Championships in London.

Stevens delivered one of the most exciting moments of the weekend for Ducks fans when she won the 200 meter dash in a time of 22.30 seconds, taking down Torie Bowie, who won the national title in the 100. Stevens also qualified for the World Championships in the 100, finishing second.

Ariana Washington booked her ticket to London in the 100, finishing in second place just behind Stevens and Bowie.

In the long jump, Demarcus Simpson finished the competition among the top three, but still needs to hit the qualifying mark of 8.15 meters by July 23 in order to make the team.

There were also some Ducks that almost qualified, but just missed out. Raevyn Rogers finished fourth in the 800 in 2:00.18 while Kyree King took fourth place in the 200 with a time of 20.40 seconds. Both King and Rogers will be alternates for Team USA in case any of the athletes from the top three can't compete.