Ti'erra Brown Wins USA Championship in 400m Hurdles
June 27, 2010
DES MOINES, Iowa – University of Miami junior Ti’erra Brown won the USA Championship in the 400m hurdles at the 2010 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships Sunday afternoon at Drake Stadium.
“It was one the greatest feelings to come away with the championship today,” said Brown. “Coming out of the NCAA’s, I was kind of down, but I knew it wasn’t the only race in the world. So I used that frustration to my advantage this weekend.”
Brown won the race in 54.84 seconds – the second-fastest time of her career. With the win, Brown became the first Hurricane in program history to win a USA National Championship.
“We have been fortunate to have many great student-athletes at Miami,” said Director of Track and Field Amy Deem. “Being the first athlete to win a USA Championship is a great accomplishment for Ti’erra.”
Fellow junior, Tameka Jameson – also running her first USA Championship – placed fifth with a time of 56.48 seconds.
“I’m very proud of Tameka and Ti’erra. They have competed hard all year and to come here and continue to do well is exciting,” added Deem.
Brown and Jameson were two of three finalists that represented NCAA institutions. The five remaining competitors either competed unattached or were professionals.
“Having two Lady Hurricanes competing in the finals together shows the great depth within Miami’s hurdle program and definitely put us on people’s radar,” said Jameson. “Personally, I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete in the championships, but I was not satisfied with my race. I can use this experience as a stepping stone for greater races in my near future.”
In the first of two semifinal heats on Saturday, the duo needed to finish among the Top-four to secure a spot in today’s final. The Hurricane tandem did just that, as Brown finished first and Jameson second with times of 55.45 and 56.62 seconds respectively.
“It hasn’t really hit me yet,” added Brown. “I’m so grateful for all those that have supported me at UM as well as my family and teammates.”
Both Brown and Jameson earned All-America honors in the event at the NCAA National Championships in Eugene, Ore. on June 11.
Brown a five-time All-America honoree, is the third ranked American in the 400m hurdles this year with a season-best time of 54.74 seconds. Jameson is tied for seventh at 55.73 seconds. Each woman’s top-time came at the NCAA Preliminary Round held in Greensboro, N.C. in late May.
In the 400m hurdle NCAA final Brown was the runner-up for the second straight year at 55.22 seconds and Jameson placed third at 56.37 seconds.
