J.C. Smith track athletes aim for Jamaican Olympic berths

RALEIGH, North Carolina -- Akino Ming has one final step to take before he can reach his goal of competing in this summer’s Olympic Games in London.  But Ming understands how challenging that step is.

Ming, a junior at Johnson C. Smith and the NCAA Division II champion in the 400 meters, will compete in Jamaica’s track and field Olympic trials Thursday through Sunday in Kingston.

“This is a lifelong dream, to be able to compete in the Olympics,” said Ming, who won the NCAA final in a time of 46.14 seconds. “It’s very exciting and humbling. But I think my chances are as good as anybody else’s.”

Ming has a shot. According to Golden Bulls coach Lennox Graham, Ming is ranked fifth in Jamaica in the 400. The top three in the trials will make the Olympic team.


Shermaine Williams@Utech Classic 2012

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