While she may not toe the line with the student athletes on Temple’s Track and Field team, Ajee Wilson can run with the best of them.
She proved that yesterday in Eugene, Oregon,
The Temple Senior, who trains professionally with Juventus Track Club in Philadelphia with Coach Derek Thomas, finished second in the 800 meter final yesterday afternoon to punch her ticket to the Olympic Games in Rio. Wilson clocked a time of 1:59.51 in back and forth battle race that included a a heartbreaking fall by some athletes. Wilson held the lead until the final 200 meters and was able to avoid the wreck. She was passed by eventual champion Kate Grace, but Wilson was able to hold on to second.
“It feels good, but I don’t think it’s gonna settle in until later tonight, when I get to talk to my mom, my family, my friends, and my teammates, but I’m excited in the present though,” Wilson said after the race.
The local track star graduated from Neptune Academy of Allied Heath and Science in New Jersey in 2012 after dominating the 800 meters, taking the state championship all four years. After drawing national recruiting interest from across the country, she originally committed to run for Florida State University. However, a change of heart brought her back to Philadelphia, where she elected to train and race professionally while attend Temple. She is currently pursuing her degree in Health Professions Social Work.
Upon going pro four year ago, Wilson has shown her talents on the national stage. She took the Wold Junior title at 800 meters in 2012, and three years later, set a lifetime best with a 1:57.87 800 meter time at the Prefontiane Classic, where she finished second on the international stage.
Round 1 of the Women’s 800 is scheduled for August 17th.
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