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Posted on Mon, Jun 25, 2012 : 11:23 p.m.

Former Michigan runner Geena Gall qualifies for 2012 London Olympics in 800-meter run

By Nick Baumgardner

Geena_Gall_Trials.jpg

Former Michigan runner Geena Gall, left, celebrates with fellow Olympic qualifiers Alice Schmidt and Alysia Montano after the women's 800-meter final at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials Monday in Eugene, Ore.

Associated Press

Former Michigan track and field star Geena Gall is headed to London.

The two-time NCAA outdoor champion qualified to represent the United States in the 2012 London Olympics on Monday by finishing second in the finals of the 800-meter run at the Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore.

Gall missed out on an Olympic bid in 2008 as a junior at Michigan, but used the experience to her advantage this time around.

“The biggest thing I learned was that you must have it, you need to be at your best that day," Gall told The Flint Journal this week. "That experience of the 2008 trials was great.”

The Grand Blanc native was a 10-time Big Ten champion during her indoor and outdoor career in Ann Arbor, and was also a nine-time All-American.

Gall ran a qualifying time of 1:59.24, just behind trials' winner Alysia Montano, who finished with a time of 1:59.08. Alice Schmidt also qualified for the Olympic team in the event, running a 1:59.46.

The 2012 Olympic Trials will now take a two-day rest before continuing in Eugene. The event wraps up on July 1.

Other former Michigan track and field standouts competing are: Jeff Porter (110-meter hurdles), Alan Webb (1,500-meter run), Craig Forys (3,000-meter steeplechase), Anna Willard-Pierce (1,500-meter run) and Bettie Wade (heptathlon).

Current Michigan athlete Ali Arastu is also competing in the men's 400-meter hurdles.

Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.

Comments

Terry Star21

Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 6:22 p.m.

Congratulations Michigan and Ms. Geena Gall. Coach Mike McGuire has been instrumental in coaching these fine young women like Geena and many others. Don't forget about Nick Willis in the 1,500 (former UM) who will represent New Zealand and a couple others now coached by former Michigan Track/CC coach Ron Warhurst. It is great to see our Michigan and Eastern Michigan athletes plus others in the area competing in the London games.