Jones returning to the Drake Relays

By DANA BECKER

dbecker@messengernews.net

DES MOINES — A hometown hero has signed up to return to the Drake Relays.

Lolo Jones will compete in the 100-meter hurdles at the upcoming spectacle that brings together athletes from around the state.

Jones, a three-time Olympian and the former American record holder in the 60 hurdles, will also be inducted into the Drake Relays Athletes Hall of Fame on April 25.

“Elite hurdlers are some of the most impressive athletes at any track and field event, and we’re proud to again feature the world’s best at the Drake Relays,” Blake Boldon, the event’s director, said. “These fields make such a difficult sport look easy, and every seat in the house will be full for these races.”

A Des Moines Roosevelt graduate, Jones became the first four-time winner in the Drake Relays invitational women’s 100 hurdles when she claimed titles from 2005-08. She was named the outstanding women’s performer in 2008, and later returned to compete in 2010 and ’11.

After high school, Jones became an 11-time NCAA All-American at LSU, winning three NCAA golds and four silvers. She won U.S. indoor track national titles from 2007-09 and World Indoor Championship golds in 2008 and ’10.

“Not only is Lolo one of the most dynamic athletes to grace the Blue Oval, but her ties to Drake, Des Moines, and the state of Iowa cannot be understated,” Boldon said. “She has always been such a beacon of pride for Iowans and track and field fans everywhere. We’re eager to give her a much-deserved celebration, both on the track and off.”

Other notable athletes who have agreed to compete include Nia Ali, Talie Bonds, Christina Clemons, Cindy Sember, Dylan Beard, Ashley Spencer, Trevor Bassitt and Eric Cray.

The half marathon/10K and 5K begin the week-long Drake Relays on Sunday. High school field events begin Thursday and continue through Saturday.