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Aug. 22, 2011
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IOWA CITY, Iowa — Former University of Iowa track and field standout Bethany Praska wrapped the 2011 track and field season with a pair of strong international performances Aug. 6 and 13. Praska, the 2011 Big Ten Champion in the 800 meters, turned in a 2:05.01 effort in the 800 meters in The Netherlands and a personal-best 2:03.74 in Belgium.
Praska graduated from the University of Iowa in May as a three-time Big Ten champion and owner of four school records. She earned All-America honors in both the indoor and outdoor seasons in 2011 and decided to challenge herself with international training to prepare for the 2012 Olympic Trials in Eugene Ore. She will also train in Iowa City during the 2011-12 school year and serve as a volunteer assistant coach with the Hawkeyes.
“Bethany competed very well against some of the top female athletes in the world,” said Iowa assistant track and field coach Clive Roberts. “She has shown a tremendous commitment to improving every day and challenging herself to be in the conversation at the 2012 Olympic Trials. The way she’s been progressing it’s not unrealistic to think she can qualify for the finals in Eugene.”
The 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials will be hosted by the Oregon Track Club at Historic Hayward Field June 22 to July 1, 2012, in Eugene, Ore.