Claflin University Men’s Track Standout Valentine-Parris Qualifies for Rio Olympics

Orangeburg, S.C.—Claflin University men's track standout Brandon Valentine-Parris qualifies for the 2016 Rio Olympics in the 400 meters.  Valentine-Parris will compete for his home country of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.  He earned the spot on his country's Olympic team via an invitation from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) for achieving the country's best time (46.11) in his event. 
 
Valentine-Parris becomes the first athlete from Claflin to qualify for an Olympic Game.

Being a part of my country's Olympic team it hasn't hit me yet," said Valentine-Parris.  "I'm sure when I get to Rio everything will set in."  Valentine-Parris added, "It's a great accomplishment to make the Olympic team and a great opportunity for me to get the experience I need to continue to be successful in my career.

Valentine-Parris had a breakout season during his sophomore campaign for the Panthers.  During the 2016 indoor season, he placed third in the 400 meters at the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships (Pittsburg, Kan.) to earn All-American Status.

During the outdoor season he earned three All-Region honors (200, 400, 4x400 relay) and was a NCAA qualifier in the 400 meters.

The track and field portion of the Olympics gets underway on Friday, Aug. 12 with the first round of the men's 400 meters starting at 7:20 p.m. EST. 

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