When junior Dwight Barbiasz first started competing in the high jump in 2008, he had to spend that summer watching the Olympics from home. This year Barbiasz wants in.
“I saw all the commercials leading up to the 2008 Olympics, but I was a senior in high school then,” Barbiasz said. “I would say, ‘I’m going to make it to the next one,’ and that’s what I’ve been trying to do since then.”
Over the next 11 days, Barbiasz and 14 current and former Gators will be competing at the Olympic Trials for a spot on Team USA for the 2012 Olympic Games. This is the largest championship track meet in the world, with more than 1,000 athletes competing for 102 spots.
Despite the large number of competitors, Barbiasz, who is coming off a win at the Southeastern Conference in triple jump and a record breaking performance at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, is staying relaxed.
“I don’t really get too nervous, but that definitely helps boost my confidence going into the trials,” Barbiasz said. “I definitely feel like I can jump even higher, so I’m hoping to get that Olympic ‘A’ Standard this weekend so hopefully I can make the team with that.”
Over the last two months, Barbiasz has improved his mark from 2.05m/6-8.75 at Drake Relays to 2.28m/7-5.75 at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. After his performance in Des Moines, Iowa, his jump ranks him fourth in the country, and about two inches short of having the top mark.
“I think I’ll surprise some people because I’m kind of an underdog going into it from being injured a lot all year. But I had some good attempts at nationals this year, so I think I can get that mark and maybe even higher than that. If I do that, then I think I’ll have a good chance at making the team.”
Out of the group of current and former Gators competing, there are six athletes whose marks rank in the top-five in their event — Will Claye (triple jump and long jump), Marquis Dendy (long jump), Tony McQuay (400 meters), Christian Taylor (triple jump), Omar Craddock (triple jump) and Barbiasz (high jump).
“I’m just excited to go out there, compete and potentially have the chance to make the team and represent the United States,” Barbiasz said. “That’s been my ultimate goal since I started track. I’m just trying to make that dream come true.”
Contact Katie Agostin at kagostin@alligator.org.
