Jonas Makes Olympic Debut

Beijing ? Competing for the first time in front of an Olympic crowd, former eight-time All-American Dusty Jonas finished 26th overall in the two flight preliminary of the men’s high jump. The 2008 indoor national champion was clean through the first two heights (6-10 ?; 2.10 and 7-0 ?; 2.15) before clearing 7-2 ? (2.20), after missing on his first attempt. Jonas attempted the next height of 7-4 ? (2.25), but was unable to clear.  <?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>

Unlike most athletes in the field, Jonas was unable to train specifically for the Olympics this year as he had to compete through the grueling indoor and outdoor college track seasons. 2008 was an eventful year for the La Vernia, Texas, native. He won the indoor national title, Big 12 Outdoor championship, earned his seventh and eighth NCAA All-America honor, set the indoor and outdoor school records and made his first trip to the Olympics.