ROCK HILL, SC--Recent Winthrop graduate Jared Baird finished in fifth place in the javelin at the Canadian Track and Field Olympic Trials this past Friday in Calgary, Alberta, but came up just short in his bid to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Team despite achieving the second best throw of his career..

“There was a monster wind out there,” Baird said. after his final competition.  “I just did what I could.”  What Baird did was place the highest in an Olympic Trials competition than any Winthrop athlete in history. He is actively pursuing a professional career in track and field.

His throw of 68.87 meters (225 feet, 11 inches) came on his final attempt as he topped some of the best throwers in Canada. He qualified for the finals with a throw of 68.83m (225 feet, 10 inches) in the first round where he sat in fourth place, but was passed in the final round of qualifying before coming up with his best throw on his final attempt.  His all-time best throw came back in March of this year when he had a throw of 71.30 meters at the North Florida Invitational in Jacksonville.

“Jared did himself, his province (Nova Scotia) and his alma mater proud,” said Winthrop assistant track coach Brett Best. “We were just pleased to have been an important part of his athletic development.”