University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
Hayes Qualifies for World Championships Team
June 26, 1999
Eugene, OR - Joanna Hayes, who just completed her senior season at UCLA, placed third in the 400m Hurdles at the USA Championships, earning a spot on the USA team which will compete at the World Championships in Seville, Spain in August.
Hayes, who recently won the 400m Hurdles at the NCAA Championships, ran a 55.76 to finish behind new champion Sandra Glover (54.95) and runner-up Michelle Johnson (55.53). Hayes, running in lane one, was in fifth place at the curve but finished strongly to take the last World Championships spot.
"I was behind on the homestretch, but I needed to make the top three," said Hayes. "I looked around to check my position, and at that point I gave it all I had and went for everything."
Hayes' classmate Andrea Anderson placed fourth in the 400m finals with a time of 52.09.
Also competing Saturday were Bruin sophomore-to-be Tracy O'Hara and junior-to-be Erica Hoernig in the pole vault. O'Hara placed ninth with a height of 12-9.5, while Hoernig no-heighted.