Banks Qualifies for 800m Semifinal at Olympic Trials

EUGENE, Ore. – Recent Duke University graduate Anima Banks turned in a personal best mark in the women's s 800m en route to securing a spot in Saturday's event semifinals. Her performance highlighted the first day of action at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

After garnering first team All-America honors in the 800 at last month's NCAA Championships, Banks picked up right where she left off in Eugene. Her 2:02.39 clocking was the fastest by a Duke athlete, eclipsing Cydney Ross' mark of 2:02.48, and placed her 12th overall in the preliminary field. A native of Mamaroneck, N.Y., Banks was one of five collegians to advance to the semifinals, which are slated for 2:43 p.m. ET Saturday on NBC and NBCOlympics.com.

Another Duke alumna, Abby Farley, also toed the line in the women's 800 preliminaries Friday. In her U.S. Olympic Trials debut, Farley turned in a time of 2:10.35 to finish seventh in her heat and 36th overall.

Former Blue Devil Curtis Beach will get underway in the decathlon competition Saturday in Eugene. The two-time NCAA champion will be making his second U.S. Olympic Trials appearance beginning at 12:45 p.m. ET. Events on tap for Saturday include the 100m, long jump, shot put, high jump and 400m.

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