Results / Post-Race Interview on Flotrack
DES MOINES, Iowa --- UC Irvine senior Charles Jock capped a brilliant collegiate career by winning the 800 meters at the NCAA Championships in Des Moines, Iowa, Friday.
Jock won the final in 1:45.59 as he led for virtually the entire race and burst away from nearest competitors Erik Sowinski of Iowa and Elijah Greer of Oregon in the final 100 meters at Drake Stadium. Sowinski finished second in 1:45.90 and Greer was third in 1:46.05. Ryan Martin of UC Santa Barbara, who Jock dueled with for four years in Big West Conference races, was fourth in 1:46.20.
Jock becomes UCI's first individual NCAA champion in 34 years since Steve Scott (1500 meters) and Mauricio Bardales (decathlon) won titles at the 1978 NCAA Division I Track & Field Championships.
Jock was NCAA runner-up a year ago when he led for 799 meters before Virginia's Robby Andrews edged him at the finish by four-hundredths of a second.
Jock ends his Anteater career as a three-time All-American and three-time Big West Track Athlete of the Year.
He is scheduled to compete in the 800 meters at the U.S. Olympic Trials beginning June 22 in Eugene, Ore., with the top three finishers qualifying for the London 2012 Olympics.
Post-race quotes from Charles Jock:
On winning the title after finishing a close second last year: "It feels like redemption. I've played that video so many times - it must be 20 times this week. I came into this race focused."
On his mindset going into the race: "I was a little nervous before the race. But I knew I had it in myself to win. I've run the 800 so many times, instincts just took over."
On winning as a refugee from Sudan: "When I run, I know I couldn't be here without the sacrifices my parents and family have made."
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