Latisha Johnson couldnt have had a more successful career as a thrower on the Illinois State track and field team. On Thursday, the Jacksonville, Ill., native will add to her list of achievements by competing in the U.S. Olympic Trials.
Johnson qualified for the trials in the shot put at the NCAA Mideast Regional in May with a throw of 53-1 3/4, a school and Missouri Valley Conference record. She is scheduled to throw at 7:35 p.m. central time Thursday. After arriving in Sacramento on Tuesday with her coach, ISU assistant coach for throws Brent Chumbley, the first step was to get acquainted to the environment.
Weve been out getting used to the facilities and the rest of the surroundings, Chumbley said. There is so much going on at the trials, that its like nothing weve ever seen before. I can see how the athletes can get caught up in the moment.
Chumbley feels that will not be a problem with Johnson.
She has a great attitude right now, he said. Shes not putting any pressure on herself. Shes going up against the best the U.S. has to offer and if she stays healthy and focused, well leave California having had a very successful trip.
Johnson, whose track eligibility was completed during the spring, will begin student teaching in the fall before graduating in December with a bachelors degree in middle level teacher education. She holds four shot put records, including the indoor school and Valley records, as well as the outdoor school and Valley records.
Johnson has been able to look back on her career with pride, and knows that being part of the Olympic Trials is a special moment for any athlete.
I know Ive been blessed with this opportunity, Johnson said. Ive had a great career and this is just icing on the cake.
Fans wanting to access live results of the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Trials can do so by logging onto the USA Track and Field website at www.usatf.org and clicking on the trials link to the right of the page.
