OLYMPIC SPOTLIGHT: Amy Yoder Begley

Former Razorback standout Amy Yoder Begley will compete in her first Olympic Games when she takes to the track at 10,000 meters in Beijing.

Yoder Begley, a 2001 graduate of the University of Arkansas, was a 15-time All-American, second most in UA history to Mike Conley’s 17 All-American accolades. She was also a two-time NCAA Champion while donning the Razorback uniform.

As a member of Nike’s Oregon Project, a program designed to improve performance standards in American distance running, Yoder Begley has flourished throughout her post-collegiate career.

She qualified for the US Olympic Trials in 2000 and 2004, but was unable to take one of the top three spots required to qualify for the Olympic Games. Third time was a charm for Begley, as she crossed the line in third at the 2008 Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore.

Prior to becoming an Olympian, Yoder Begley compiled an impressive resume on and off the track. She was the Avon National 10K Champion in 2001 and was runner-up in 2002 at the Avon Global Championships.

That same year, Begley received the RRCA Roads Scholar Grant, a sum of money given each year to a select few road running athletes who have showed excellence in the classroom and in competition.

She went on win gold at the 10K Road National Championships in 2004 and has since been training with Beijing in mind.

Yoder Begley will compete in the final of the 10,000 meters in Beijing Friday, Aug. 15. For complete results and details of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, visit http://www.iaaf.org/OLY08/index.html. For more information on the Razorbacks in Beijing, visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.

Career Highlights: 15-Time All-American; two-time NCAA Champion (indoor 5,000 meters and outdoor 10,000 meters); 15-time SEC Champion.