UPDATE: Thurmond Headed To London Olympics

Renton High graduate (1994) Aretha Thurmond (Hill) finished second in the Olympic Trials for discus in Eugene, Oregon Sunday afternoon.

Thurmond qualifies for her fourth Olympics with a throw of 62.23 meters (204.2 feet). "This is so exciting. Four times: It’s a dream come true. This wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for my support team," Thurmond told media after her event. “It’s just been an awesome ride. I think competing at this level has made me a better person…I’m just overwhelmed having been able to do this for this long, and it still excites me.”

“For me the key to longevity is taking care of yourself. It’s training smart," Thurmond said.

In her first Olympics in 1996, Thurmond placed 34th overall with a throw of 183-10 feet. In 2004, she placed 10th in group B qualifying with a throw of 193-0 feet. In 2008, she placed 10th overall with a throw of 196-2 feet.

Nike teammate Stephanie Brown Trafton won overall with a throw of 65.18 meters (213-10 feet).

According to her US Track and Field bio, Thurmond has been among the top, and most consistent, American throwers for the last 10 years. In 2011, Thurmond matched her performance of two years ago and placed second at USA Outdoor Championships to qualify for her fifth World Outdoor team.

Her personal best distance is 65.86 meters, achieved in March 2004.

Results so far this year:

6th at Pre Classic (56.50m/185-4)

6th at Shanghai (58.41m/191-7)

1st at Brazil (61.41m/201.5)

1st at Auburn Track Classic (63.33m/207-9)

3rd at Sydney Track Classic (60.12m/197-3)

2nd at Perth Track Classic (60.96m/200-0).