By Anthony Foster, TrackAlerts.com
Tarasue Barnett made the Olympic Games qualifying mark in the women’s discus on Saturday in Irvine, California.
Barnett, representing Grand Canyon University at the Steve Scott Invitational, threw 61.28 metres to achieve the mark and a personal best.
“It was the best day of my life as I made the Olympic Games qualification mark,” said the former Edwin Allen and GC Foster College student, who almost came to tears after finding out the mark.
Her mark secured the top spot at the meet ahead of Jade Lally of Great Britain and Northern Island, 59.59m, and Brazilian Fernanda Martins, 59.28m.
Sasha-Gaye Marston, the other Jamaican at Grand Canyon, finished 6th with 49.83m.
The Olympic Games qualifying mark is 61 metres, which must be achieved between May 1, 2015 and July 11, 2016.
Barnett, who is now ranked 16th on the IAAF 2016 top list, added, “getting that mark was the only thing I wanted this year because I really want to go to Rio.”
She is the only Jamaican so far to secure the Olympic Games qualifying mark.
