Beaufort Native Michael Dickson Triumphs at Olympic Trials
Residents of Beaufort, South Carolina, have something extraordinary to celebrate as their very own Michael Dickson performs exceptionally well in the men’s 110-meter hurdles at the U.S. Track and Field Olympic team trials in Oregon. Dickson not only qualified for the finals but secured an impressive seventh-place finish last week.
Dickson’s Olympic Quest
Dickson made his mark in Heat 3 on Monday’s prelims, recording a time of 13.36, allowing him to propel onto the semifinals scheduled for Thursday. Come the second round, he raised the bar, clocking a swift time of 13.19, bagging second place in Heat 3, and securing his spot in the finals.
On Friday’s final, Dickson showcased his competitive spirit yet again, clocking nearly the same time as the semis, with 13.21, landing him in a commendable seventh place.
Dickson’s Track Record
Dickson, originally a Beaufort High School star, is not new to making locals proud, with a slew of achievements under his belt. The seasoned athlete is a two-time All-American and eight-time MEAC champion with North Carolina A&T, where he graduated in 2019.
Jonathan Kelley Qualifies for AAU Nationals
Meanwhile, another athlete putting Beaufort on the national sports scene is Jonathan Kelley. The Whale Branch and Palmetto Road Runners standout recently qualified for the AAU Junior Olympics, a stage where Dickson has already made his mark.
In his performance last weekend, Kelley secured second place in the 110-meter hurdles and fifth place in the long jump. He competed in the 15-16 boys division at the AAU Region 8 Qualifiers in Columbia, thus qualifying for next month’s nationals.
The rising junior at Whale Branch will compete in the 110-meter hurdles prelims on July 31, with the finals scheduled for Aug. 1, along with the long jump.
Beaufort Making Strides in the Sports Arena
Michael Dickson’s and Jonathan Kelley’s performances have undoubtedly brought significant recognition to Beaufort on the national sports stage. With their sheer hard work and dedication, they are showcasing the potential of Beaufort natives in sports, inspiring many young athletes in their city.
While Jonathan Kelley is scheduled to compete at the national level next month, the city awaits Michael Dickson’s future achievements in the Olympic games. Their endeavors are admired by their city and beyond, and everyone is eagerly anticipating their further accomplishments. These athletes have raised the bar in Beaufort County, creating a legacy of triumph for future sports achievers to follow.
