U.S. Olympian and former Tech athlete Jason Young met with the local media Monday to discuss qualifying for Team USA.

Young Meets With Local Media

July 9, 2012

LUBBOCK, Texas - U.S. Olympian and former Texas Tech student-athlete Jason Young met with the local media Monday afternoon inside the Masked Rider Lobby of the Texas Tech Athletics offices.

Young, who was a two-time All-American during his decorated Red Raider career which spanned from 2000-04, qualified for the U.S. Olympic Team after finishing third overall in the discus throw at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore. in June.

Young recorded a mark of 62.15 meters (203'-11") to secure the third and final automatic qualifying spot and earn his place on Team USA.

"I'm very excited," Young said. "It's been a very long road to try and get here. More than anything else I am relieved that I am on the team. It's something I have been trying to do for years, and I am just very happy to be representing the U.S.A."

Young became the first Texas Tech product to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Team since Jonathan Johnson qualified in the 800-meter run for 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.

Young is one of four Texas Tech products who have qualified for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, including Shane Brathwaite (110-meter hurdles), Jamele Mason (400-meter hurdles) and Sally Kipyego (5,000-meters/10,000-meters). The qualifying round of the discus throw at the Olympics is scheduled for August 7.