Former JSU Runner, Michael Tinsley Sets 2013 World Record; SAU's Batman Jackson Takes Third

DES MOINES, Iowa — Former SWAC standout and Jackson State Alum Michael Tinsley set the world’s fastest time of 2013 in the 400m hurdles final. It all took place from Des Moines, Iowa and Drake Stadium on Day 3 of the 2013 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championship.

Tinsley finished first with a time of 47.96 seconds and was joined by Kerron Clement (48.06) and Bershawn "Batman" Jackson's (48.09). Last summer during the London Olympic Games, Tinsley won a silver medal in the very same event. "The race was just so fast today. The gun went off, and all I remember is that we were there, coming down the homestretch,"

Tinsley said. "I feel like a champ. I feel like a million bucks." In 2006, Tinsley became the first JSU track athlete to win an NCAA Division I title at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.

Saint Augustine's University graduate Bershawn "Batman" Jackson is also headed to Moscow after finishing third in the men's 400 meter hurdles.  Kerron Clement (University of Florida) claimed second in 48.06.  Jackson ran 48.09 seconds to advance to the 2013 IAAF World Championships, which will be held in Moscow, Russia, from August 10-18. All three hurdlers will represent the USA in the World Championships.

A Raleigh, N.C., resident, Jackson is a four-time U.S. outdoor champion in the 400 hurdles. He has qualified for the World Championships every time since 2003. He won the 400 hurdles world title in 2005 and earned an Olympic bronze medal in the event in 2008.

Jackson, coached by St. Aug legend George Williams, ran his best time of the year to make the U.S. team. During his college career, Jackson was a NCAA Division II 400 hurdles champion for the Falcons. He graduated from St. Aug in 2010.

COURTESY SWAC.org and SAINT AUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION