Howard Payne University Yellow Jackets

BROWNWOOD, Texas – Former Howard Payne sprinter Greg Nixon will run on Thursday the 400 meter in the 2008 US Olympic Trials in Eugene, OR for a chance to represent the US in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

Greg Nixon, who has the 5th fastest time (45.20) at the trials going into the finals, will run on Thursday, July 3, 2008 around 8:15 pm central. The trials are televised on the USA Network from 10:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. central.

“Goes to show you anything is possible, with my start at Howard Payne to now my first full season on the world-class level,” said Greg Nixon. “To run for a chance to represent the US in the Olympics is amazing.”

Nixon ran a 45.74 in the preliminary round of the trials and a 45.20 in the second semi-final to secure the spot in the finals.

Nixon was a standout wide receiver on the Yellow Jacket football team, he did not run track in college till his junior year at Howard Payne. He won three NCAA III collegiate titles, one in the 100 meter (2006) and two in the 200 meter (2005, 2006). His bests at HPU are 10.43 in the 100 meter and 20.60 in the 200 meter. Nixon also is the 2007 US Indoor 400m champion and ran for the US in the 2008 World Indoor Championships helping the US bring home a gold medal.