Former Hornet Qualifies for Olympic Trials

Former Hornet Qualifies for Olympic Trials

ALEXANDRIA, Va. --- Ricky Flynn, a 2009 graduate of Lynchburg College, continued his storied running career on Sunday at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon. Flynn finished fourth among Americans and seventh overall with a time 1:04:15.  His 4:55 mile pace qualified him for the Olympic Marathon Team Trials.

Flynn came into the competitive race having recent success. He finished second at the Virginia Ten-Miler in Lynchburg on September 29th. Despite the finish, he was given a bid number of 647 in the competitive field.

Flynn had a storied career at Lynchburg College. He was named an All-American seven times in his career.  In indoor track and field, he garnered one honor in the 5,000 meter race in 2009.  He won four All-American honors in outdoor track and field: the 5,000 and 10,000 meter races in both 2009-2010.  However, Flynn had his greatest success in cross country. In 2008, he earned All-American honors and in 2009 he won the National Championship, the first in cross country for Lynchburg College.

Flynn was an accomplished student as well. The College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) named him to ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American First-Team in men's track and field/cross country.  Flynn also earned an NCAA postgraduate scholarship award after being named the Division III Cross Country Scholar-Athlete-of-the-Year.

The Olympic Marathon Trials will take place on January, 14 2012 in Houston, Texas. The three top finishers will qualify for a spot on Team USA at the upcoming Summer Olympics in London.

This release is courtesy of the Lynchburg College Sports Information Department.