EUGENE, Ore., June 29, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ASICS' athlete and veteran runner Julie Culley finished the 5000 meters in 15:13.77 at the 2012 U.S. Track & Field Trials, taking first place and qualifying her for the 2012 Summer Games in London. After finishing seventh in the 2008 Track & Field Trials, Culley has continued to push her training and compete in cross country and track & field meets, even adding long distance road races to her repertoire in order to prepare for her second attempt at making Team U.S.A.
Culley had a successful college career at Rutgers University; however, upon graduation she hung up her spikes and turned to coaching at Loyola University in Maryland. Not satisfied with the view from the sidelines, she made a return to the sport and has since been chasing her dream of winning a gold medal. She represented the United States in previous World Indoor, World Outdoor, and World Cross Country Championships, yet has flown mainly under the radar with a lack of podium finishes. Not letting that stand in her way and feeling physically and mentally stronger than ever, Culley was more than ready to take on the competitive field today at the track and, with 600 meters left, made a break from the group and coasted to her first-place finish.
"Julie has worked so hard and really deserved this win today," says Anne Adams, ASICS Marketing Manager, Running Athletes. "She is the best kept secret on the track, and is also an all-around fantastic person with a positive outlook on everything. We are so proud to have her not only represent ASICS, but now the United States on the biggest world stage of any athlete's career."
In addition to Culley, ASICS' athletes still in contention at the 2012 U.S. Track & Field Trials in Eugene, Ore. include Kara Patterson, Sharon Day, Sara Hall and Liz Patterson all hoping to join both Culley and hurdler Lolo Jones in London.
Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, meaning "A Sound Mind in a Sound Body," is an old Latin phrase from which ASICS is derived and the fundamental platform on which the brand still stands. The company was founded more than 60 years ago by Kihachiro Onitsuka and is now a leading designer and manufacturer of running shoes, as well as, other athletic footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit www.asics.com.
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The following pictures are available for download:
| [Image] | Julie-Culley 5000-f E52C5F |
| [Image] | Julie-Culley 5000-f E52DA7 |