| Glover heads to Olympic trials |
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| Written by Tawni Ricketts, Daily Vidette Sports Editor |
| Tuesday, 19 June 2012 15:31 |
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After winning Nationals, ISU javelin thrower prepares for trials where he says 'it's time to work harder to take things to the next leve.'
With his personal-best throw of 268-00 feet, Glover became the 2012 NCAA javelin champion, an American and collegiate leader, and set new ISU and Missouri Valley Conference records in the event. But, Glover saw these types of successes last year, too. This year, however, Glover’s performances at the NCAA tournament and throughout the rest of his track season have opened new doors for the junior — doors that are taking his talent beyond the United States boundaries to an international level.
Glover is headed to Eugene, Ore. to compete in the 2012 Olympic trials June 22 through July 2. “I need [to throw] 82 meters, which is 269 feet [to qualify] for the Olympics,” Glover explained. “As of now, I am one foot short at 268 feet.” The 2012 Olympic trials will consist of two days of competition — preliminaries and finals — for the junior and Normal native. “The top 9 or 12 who have the farthest throws from the first day make finals, which is two days later,” Glover said. “Then the top 9 from that get final throws that day.” During each round, every athlete gets three attempts to achieve qualifying throws. Ultimately, if he qualifies for each round, Glover could throw a total of nine times at the trials. Although trying to stay calm and relaxed, Glover is beginning to feel the pressures of the Olympic trials as the first day of preliminaries rapidly approaches. “I think I’m getting nervous because I am putting pressure on myself to go out and try to hit 82 meters. I feel like if I can go out there relaxed like I did at Nationals, I can contend, and hopefully the mark will come with a win,” Glover said. While trying to maintain a calm, mental state like he did at the NCAA championships, Glover is also preparing similarly from a physical standpoint. “I’m not treating this meet any different,” Glover said. “I’m doing the things I started working on before Nationals, and that paid off, and hopefully they will again at trials.” Glover’s family has been a source of support and encouragement throughout his journey. “My family has been there since day one. They won’t be attending trials, but I know they will be either watching or finding something online to follow. “They came out for Nationals the last two years … it’s a good feeling to have them cheering for me.” Aside from competing in the 2012 Olympic trials, Glover will also be heading to Mexico soon to compete on Team USA with fellow throwing teammate Brittany Smith. “I am happy with my performances this year. It shows how hard I’ve been working,” Glover said. “Now, it’s time to work harder to take things to the next level.”
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