Former Baylor track star headed to 2016 Olympics

Almost exactly a year ago, we wrote this post asking if Trayvon Bromell would be “Baylor’s next Olympic hopeful?”

We now know the answer: Yes.

Bromell’s outstanding performance in the U.S. Olympic Trials last week in Oregon clinched his spot on the 2016 Olympic roster; the former Baylor All-American will represent Team USA in the 100 meters at next month’s Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro.

After winning two NCAA individual titles (2014 outdoor 100 meters & 2015 indoor 200 meters) and five Big 12 titles in his first two years at Baylor, Bromell turned pro last fall. He still holds the 10 fastest 100-meter times in Baylor track history, as well as the school records in the indoor 60 and 200 meters. Upon turning pro, Bromell signed a multi-year deal with New Balance, leading to commercials like this one that feature Bromell training at Baylor.

In donning the red, white and blue, the St. Petersburg, Fla., native follows in the footsteps of other former Baylor track stars. At least one Baylor Bear has made the US track team at each of the last seven Olympics, led by Michael Johnson, BBA ’91, and Jeremy Wariner. Johnson won four Olympic gold medals across three Olympics (1992, 1996 & 2000) and was named one of the five greatest U.S. Summer Olympians ever by ESPN. Wariner followed with three golds and a silver in two Olympics (2004 & 2008); he also made the team in 2012, but was forced to withdraw due to injury. And how could we mention Baylor and USA track without recognizing Clyde Hart, the longtime Baylor track & field coach whose pupils won gold in six straight Olympics?

Sic ’em, Trayvon!

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* Michael Johnson voted into U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame (July 2009)

* Bears leave Beijing with three more Olympic medals (Aug. 2008)