The University of Akron Athletics
Murphy named to Team USA roster for IAAF World Track and Field Championships
August 10 | Track & Field
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AKRON, Ohio - University of Akron sophomore Clayton Murphy (New Paris, Ohio) has been named to the United States roster in the 800 meters for the IAAF World Track and Field Championships, Aug. 22-30, in Beijing, China, USA Track and Field announced on Monday, Aug. 10.
Murphy was the squad's first alternate in the event after finishing fourth at the USA Track and Field Championships in June in Eugene, Ore. He joins the United States' contingent headed to China after Nick Symmonds, who won a silver medal at the 2013 IAAF World Championships in Moscow and captured gold at the USATF's in June, was left off the United States' roster.
"Our heart goes out to Nick Symmonds," Akron head track and field coach Dennis Mitchell commented. "He has been the USA's best and he deserves to be there. However, this is a great opportunity for Clayton and we are very proud of him."
Murphy will join fellow teammate Shawn Barber, who is competing in the pole vault for Canada, as Zips participating at the IAAF Championships.
"You would say that it is a dream to be able to do what Clayton was able to do so far this year with two All-American honors, being on two USA teams and winning a gold medal," said Mitchell. "I don't know what to call it now that he additionally gets to represent his country for the world championships, except, Wow! What an amazing honor. This will be fun having two Zips at the meet."
The opening rounds of the 800 meters are scheduled for 11:50 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 21. The semifinals are slated for 8:15 a.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 23, while the final will be run at 8:55 a.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
Players Mentioned
