July 8, 2008

EUGENE, Ore. – Former South Carolina standout Shalonda Solomon ran in the 100- and 200-meter dashes at the U.S. Olympic Trials, getting as far as the finals in the 200-meter before placing seventh overall in the event. Solomon recently sat down with GamecocksOnline.com to speak about her time in Oregon and her spectacular run in the 200-meter dash on July 4 when she ran the day’s fastest time at 22.51.

As a week has gone by at the Olympic Trials, how has it gone to get back out there on the track?

I ran the 100-meter earlier in the process so I was able to get used to the track and environment and fans. This weekend I came back and ran the 200-meter. I was able to go out there and compete.

Did you expect to have the kind of time that you ran in the 200-meter qualifying round Friday?

I did not expect that. I know Coach Frye compared me for this meet and I know God’s been blessing me to do this. I’m glad that I’m improving.

You returned this season from injuries. How has that been as far as getting back on the track?

I had a quad injury and hip injury last year. Everything is healed now and I feel great. I’m going out there and competing well.

With you winning the 200-meter qualifying round, how was your Fourth of July?

It was great. It was kind of short because we ran late at night and had to go back to the hotel to sleep, so I wasn’t able to celebrate like usually but it was good to go out there and compete.