Heymsfield wins junior silver

FAYETTEVILLE – Grace Heymsfield finished second in the junior 3,000-meter steeplechase Saturday at the 2011 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Historic Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore. The soon-to-be Razorback sophomore has now earned the chance to run for Team USA at the 2011 Pan American Junior Championships.

The Elkins, Ark., native ran to the silver medal in a time of 10:40.31, a season-best mark by more than 16 seconds. Her previous best of 10:56.74 came back in March at the Stanford Invitational. The top three spots in the race went to collegiate runners. Heymsfield finished less than a second behind winner Alexandra Leptich of Michigan.

Heymsfield now has the opportunity to represent her country. The USA Junior Championships serves as the selection meet for the 2011 Pan American Junior Championships, which will be held July 22-24 in Miramar, Fla. The top two finishers in each event this weekend in Eugene are invited to compete as members of Team USA.

Former Razorbacks LaShaunte’a Moore (2004) and Christin Wurth-Thomas (2000-03) were also in action Saturday in the 200 meters and 1,500 meters, respectively. Running in the first round of the 200 meters, Moore finished fifth overall in a time of 22.72 to advance to the next round. Wurth-Thomas finished fourth in the finals of the 1,500 meters, crossing the finish in a time of 4:06.21.

Competition at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships draws to a close Sunday afternoon. Follow the action that will be televised Sunday at 2 p.m. (CT) on Universal Sports and 4 p.m. on NBC. For continued coverage and more information, log on to ArkansasRazorbacks.com.

USA Championships – Saturday resultsJunior Steeplechase (final)2. Grace Heymsfield – 10:40.31

Former Razorbacks200m (first round)5. LaShaunte’a Moore – 22.72 (Q)

1,500m (final)4. Christin Wurth-Thomas – 4:06.21