July 16, 2004

UNC shot putter Laura Gerraughty bested the field by more than a foot and won the women's shot put Friday night at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Sacramento. Gerraughty's winning throw traveled 60'8.5", ensuring her of a trip to Athens. She joins LaTasha Colander (100m), Tisha Waller (high jump) and Marion Jones (long jump) as Carolina winners at the meet. Kristin Heaston finished second with a mark of 59'4.75". Gerraughty now has the opportunity to add an Olympic medal to the pair of NCAA shot put titles she has already won in 2004.

Shalane Flanagan, who qualified for Athens in the 5000-meter run on Tuesday, was in action again on Friday night. She competed in the 1500-meter run and finished ninth overall with a time of 4:11.77. The 15-woman final will take place on Sunday night.

Tar Heel sprinters Crystal Cox and Jones competed in the 200-meter dash quarterfinals and advanced to the semifinals. Cox and Jones finished fourth and fifth, respectively, in the fourth heat. Cox registered a time of 22.84, while Jones covered the distance in 22.93.