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Road to Rio: Kyle Clemons, 4x400 meter relay
RYAN LEVINE
@ryanlevine93
While at Kansas, Kyle Clemons was around some
Kansas Head Coach Stanley Redwine said watching Dixon is what helped inspire Clemons to become the Olympic athlete he can now say he is.
of the best talent in the world. In 2012, he watched Diamond Dixon take home the gold medal at the London Olympics.
"In 2012, I think Kyle woke up and thought that if Diamond [Dixon] can be there, he can be there," Redwine said.
Now, in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, Clemons will be competing for the United States as a member of the 4x400-meter relay team.
Originally from Rowlett, Texas, Clemons ran for a personal-best 44.79 seconds in the 400-meter preliminary round, prior to finishing in
sixth-place at the U.S. Olympic Trials.
Since turning professional in 2013, Clemons has made himself known as one of the best quarter-mile runners in the country as the success he achieved at Kansas continued in his professional career.
He's been a part of three World Championship teams, as well as a world record team, which has helped prepare him for this summer's Olympics.
"This is the highest stage that any athlete can compete at and just being able to go to the Olympics is just a huge blessing and I'm extremely grateful," Clemons said.
A two-time Big 12 Champion, Clemons broke the school record for both the indoor and outdoor 400 meters, which both remain his.
During his first year as a professional, he helped guide the American 4x400-meter relay to the top spot twice at the 2014 and 2016 IAAF World Indoor Championships.
Just weeks away from competing in his first Olympics, Clemons said he is excited and feels that the opening ceremonies will be one of the most memorable parts of the entire experience.
"The most exciting thing that I keep thinking about is the opening ceremonies," Clemons said. "Just seeing it on TV and seeing everyone dressed up in their polo outfits and stuff like that, I'm looking forward to that."
Clemons 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 Zainab Sanni.
The 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games will run from Aug.5-21 with all events being televised on either NBC and NBCSN.
Associated Press
Kyle Clemons (middle) competes in the semifinals of the men's 400-meter at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials, Saturday, July 2, 2016, in Eugene Ore.
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