Date Posted: 8/17/2006

BEIJING, China -- Jacksonville University track and field athlete, Natasha Harvey, can finally take a break from jumping. On Wednesday, Harvey represented the U.S. junior national team in the long jump at the World Junior Track Championship in Beijing, but missed qualifying for the finals.

“We are so proud of Tasha for making the U.S. team,” said JU head coach Ron Grigg. “Many of the American athletes have been having a tough time at this competition since it occurs ‘out of season’ for them. She will cheer on the rest of her teammates through the conclusion of the meet and then return to school ready for a great sophomore campaign.”

Harvey tallied a mark of 19’ 1.5” (5.83m) to finish ninth in group A of the long jump preliminaries. She would have needed to finish in the top five to qualify for the finals. Since completing her freshman campaign at JU, Harvey has competed in the long jump at the NCAA Championships, U.S. Junior Track Championships and AT&T U.S. Track Championships.

She earned a spot on the U.S. junior national team after winning a tiebreaker at the U.S. Junior Track Championships on June 22. She also placed seventh at the U.S Track Championships with a mark of 21'4.75" (6.52m). At one point during the 2006 season, Harvey had the best jump in the NCAA with a mark of 21'5.25".

Harvey and the rest of the Dolphins’ track & field squad will look to defend their 2006 Atlantic Sun Indoor and Outdoor Championships starting in January 2007.

Related Links:
 • JU Website