Former Jackson State men’s track and field standout Michael Tinsley made it to his first Olympics Sunday evening. Tinsley will participate as a member of the 2012 US Olympic team in London, England. The 2012 Olympics start July 27 with the opening ceremony and end August 12.
On day 11 of the US Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore., Tinsley won the men’s 400 meter hurdles with a time of 48.33.
While at Jackson State, Tinsley placed his name on the national and world scene in 2006. He recorded with a sixth place finish at the USA Outdoor meet and a win at the NCAA Championships. With the win at the 2006 NCAA Outdoor Championships, Tinsley became the first Jackson State University track athlete to win an NCAA Division I title. To celebrate his win, JSU proclaimed Thursday, June 15, “Michael Tinsley Day” and publicly recognized him and his family with a reception held in the Walter Payton Health and Wellness Center on campus.
With wins in 2006, at the Texas Relays and the NCAA Championships, Tinsley continued his move up the national rankings (#4), and ended the year with his first ever T&FN top ten world ranking (#10).
In 2005, he gave a hint of what was to come with a third-place finish in the 400 m hurdles at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. He was ranked No. 7 at the end of the year, in the U.S. Track & Field News.
Tinsley won both the 110-meter and 400-meter hurdles titles at the 2004 SWAC Outdoor Championships. A multi-event athlete, he ran the second leg of the team that captured the 4x400m relay title at the 2004 SWAC Championships.
Also former Jackson State track athelte Anaso Jobodwana is heading to the Rio Olympics as well representing his country South Africa. When will we see an article about Anaso Jobodwana participating in the Olympics as well?
Like Tinsley this is his second Olympics.