Higgs wraps season at Olympics

FAYETTEVILLE – On day one of the track and field competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Raymond Higgs and Samuel Vazquez took on the world’s best in the long jump and 1,500 meters, respectively. Higgs finished ninth in his flight and 21st overall but did not advance to the event final, while Vazquez finished in 40th place in the first round of the 1,500 meters.

In his Olympic debut, Higgs had a day’s best mark of 7.76m/25-5.5 on his second of three attempts during Friday’s qualifying round. Representing the Bahamas, he had a foul on his final attempt to bring a close to his Olympic experience. Higgs qualified for the Olympic competition by winning the national title at the Bahamas Championships in June. He closes out his season that included an SEC outdoor title and third-place finish at the NCAA Championships.

Vazquez, also making his first appearance at the Olympics for Puerto Rico, finished 14th in his heat of the first round of the 1,500 meters. He crossed the finish line in a time of 3:49.19 and will not move on to Sunday’s semifinal.

Day two of the track and field competition continues Saturday and will include the opening round of the 100 meters. That event will feature current student-athlete Marek Niit and former Razorback Tyson Gay. After a preliminary round of the event, the first-round heats of the 100 meters with Niit and Gay are scheduled to begin at 6:30 a.m. (CT).

To follow Arkansas’ progress in London, follow @RazorbackTF on Twitter or visit the 2012 Olympic Central page at ArkansasRazorbacks.com.

Friday Results
1,500 Meters
40. Samuel Vazquez (PUR) – 3:49.19

Long Jump
21. Raymond Higgs (BAH) – 7.76m/25-5.5