Smock, Mead Named Athletes of the Month

Minnesota Olympic Trials stars Amanda Smock and Hassan Mead were named Athletes of the Month recently by USA Track & Field Minnesota, the organization announced recently.

Smock, a Melrose native who competed for North Dakota State University, was honored for winning the triple jump title at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials held in Eugene, Oregon. last month. Smock marked a jump of 45 feet, 9 inches for the victory, which earned her a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team.

Mead, a senior last spring at the University of Minnesota, was also recognized for his exploits at the Trials. Mead placed 11th in the 10,000-meters at the meet, running a school record and personal best of 27 minutes, 59.04 seconds. Mead later finished 8th in the Olympic Trails 5,000-meters, running 13:30.21.

USA Track and Field Minnesota selects Athletes of the Month to honor excellence in track and field and its related sports in Minnesota.  USA Track & Field is the governing body of the sport in the United States and the Minnesota Association of USATF sanctions and sponsors track and field, cross country, road racing, and racewalking events for athletes of all ages in the state.