EUGENE – Texas A&M junior Shamier Little has decided to compete professionally and bypass her remaining year of collegiate eligibility with the Aggies. Little will compete in the first round of the 400-meter hurdles at the Olympic Trials on Thursday.
“I’m really excited and confident in my decision,” noted Little. “I feel I’m more than ready than I was last year to move forward.
“I definitely didn’t want the decision to be rushed prior to competing at the Olympic Trials. I’m glad that process is out of the way. Now I can run my event and not worry about it, and put any added pressure on myself.”
A nine-time All-American for the Aggies, Little won three consecutive NCAA titles in the 400m hurdles. She became only the second female hurdler to accomplish that feat in the 400m hurdles. Her most recent NCAA victory last month resulted in Little producing a time of 53.51, which is the second fastest collegiate time ever recorded and was just shy of the 53.21 collegiate record.
“Shamier has done a tremendous job at Texas A&M,” said Texas A&M head coach Pat Henry. “Being a three-time NCAA champion doesn’t happen very often. I’m always concerned about someone leaving school early, but Shamier is one that I feel very good that she will finish her education. She and her family are intent on finishing her education. For her to take a chance and do this at this time it’s a decision I certainly support and our staff does too.”
Heading into the Olympic Trials, Little is the world and American leader for the 2016 season. Last year she held the world-leading time in the 400m hurdles with a 53.74 from her NCAA victory in June until the final of the World Championships in late August.
Little earned a silver medal in the 400m hurdles at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, China, with a time of 53.94. During the Pan American Games last summer, Little claimed gold in the 400m hurdles as well as a member of the United States 4×400 relay. In SEC Championship competition Little won a pair of 400m hurdle titles and also garnered a pair of 400m titles, one indoor and one outdoor.
“I enjoyed competing at Texas A&M and left my mark on the program,” said Little. “I did what I could for Texas A&M, and I feel like I’m leaving on a good note. I maintained contact with my coaches and my family during this decision process, the way it should be done.
“It was a definitely a good experience being part of the team since day one of being recruited. I was happy to be part of the Aggie family. Then I fulfilled my goals through three good years with the coaching and guidance from the coaching staff. I’m really proud and happy. Even though I’m no longer a collegian, I’m still an Aggie.”
Story courtesy of Texas A&M Athletics