Jun 10, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Najee Glass runs the anchor leg on the Florida 4 x 400m relay that finished second in 3:0012 to clinch the team title during the 2016 NCAA Track and Field championships at Hayward Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Olympic Trials: 27 Gators Making A Run To Represent Team USA

The University of Florida’s Track and Field program will send 27 former, past, and future Gators to the United States Olympic Trials, which runs from July 1 to July 10.

Jun 30, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; General view of the backdrop with USA Track & Field and Nike Logos prior to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials at Hayward Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 30, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; General view of the backdrop with USA Track & Field and Nike Logos prior to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials at Hayward Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

How will the 2016 Olympics, in Rio De Janiero, be similar to every Olympic Games since the year 1992? Every U.S. Olympic team since then, has featured at least one athlete coached by Gators’ head track and field coach, Mike Holloway.

In 2012, Holloway was named the sprints and relays coached for the Games, in London, where three of his athletes sported a medal after it was all said and done.

With Mike Halloway and his Florida Gators being no strangers to Olympic Trials, the odds are working in these 27 Gators’ favor.

By listing off a number of his athletes, Halloway touches on how this program is filled with talent.

Florida’s Arman Hall recently won this year’s individual title for the 400-meter dash by clocking in a time of 44.82 seconds and is on the list of favorites to qualify in his event. With advice from his fellow Gators, Hall should be prepared to take on his first Olympic run.

Last month, the United States Track and Cross Country Coaches Association named Mike Halloway the National Men’s Outdoor Coach of the Year. It’s safe to say these Gators have of a ton experience in their corner.

The 27 Gators in attendance bleed orange and blue, but are ready to sport red, white and blue on the outside.

About Darwin Patterson

A senior at the University of Florida reporting on Gator sports, local Gainesville and surrounding area sports, and telling the stories of local athletes. Born and raised in Gainesville, Florida with a passion for telling people's stories and having fun doing it.

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