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Road to Rio: Zainab Sanni, Nigerian 4x100 meter relay team
► DYLAN SHERWOOD
@dsherwoodku
Zainab Sanni passes the baton to teammate Nicole Montgomery at the Kansas Relays. Sanni made the Nigerian 4x100 team and will compete in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics
last year, Kansas senior sprinter Zainab Sanni's season ended early at the NCAA West preliminary meet when she came up short in the 100 and 200 meter dashes.
However, Sanni kept her focus on the Olympics.
"Being able to do the trials was a blessing," Sanni said. "Being a part of the 4x100 relay squad is a blessing and I'm happy about that."
After competing in the 100 and 200 meter races, her finish in the 100 meters earned her a spot on the Nigerian 4x100 meter relay team at the upcoming Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
"She did really well, she went there focused and ready to represent her team," Kansas coach Stanley Redwine said.
However, there was some confusion during the trials for the 100 meter dash. Officials confused Sanni with another runner, and Sanni's name was originally not on the list of those advancing to the finals.
"I talked with one of the coaches for Nigeria and then we went up there and talked to officials and stuff," Sanni said. "They went back and looked at video and they realized it was
me. They weren't sure I was Zainab or not."
Sanni is the only current Jayhawk competing in Rio. After Sanni found out she was heading to Rio, she said she received messages from former and current teammates congratulating her.
Sanni has one year of eligibility left, and said she is treating the Olympics just like any other meet during the regular season.
"It's another opportunity to sell and be a product to agents and whatnot," Sanni said. "People are going to see that ... If I want to move
forward with track after my senior year, I've already put myself out there."
Sanni is one of five former or current Kansas track and field athletes to be representing their respective countries in the Rio Olympics, joining Mason Finley, Daina Levy, Andrea Geubelle and Kyle Clemons.
Sanni will compete in round one of the 4x100 meter relay team on Thursday Aug.18. The 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games will run from Aug.5-21 with all events being televised on either NBC and NBCSN.
Being able to do the trials was a blessing. Being a part of the 4x100 relay squad is a blessing and I'm happy about that."
Zainab Sanni Former Kansas sprinter
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