With one of the most anticipated meets of the season just around
the corner, the UCLA women’s track and field team will
attempt to beat rival USC without one of its most talented
athletes.
Top middle distance runner Lena Nilsson announced Tuesday that
she will not participate in this weekend’s home meet against
the Trojans, as she continues to suffer with a foot injury.
Last week, Nilsson received optimistic medical reports and
thought she would be ready to return to competition this week, but
the injury will keep her sidelined a bit longer.
For the three-time national champion, refraining from training
and competing would not normally be as troublesome, since her
previous personal bests would beat any of this year’s top
marks.
What is alarming is the fact she will have only one chance to
qualify for the NCAA Regional Championships. That opportunity will
come at the Pac-10 Championships, which will be held in less than
two weeks.
Thus far, the injury has kept Nilsson out of the entire outdoor
season, and she qualifies for Pac-10s in the 1500-meter run only by
default ““ because of her impressive performance at the Indoor
Championships.
Nilsson could also compete in the 800m as a wildcard entry, but
she is still unsure about what the injury will allow.
While Nilsson will be unable to compete this weekend, the Bruins
can showcase two other top athletes who have been hampered with
injuries as of late. Jumper Renee Williams ““ the highly
touted freshman ““ will make her Drake Stadium debut in both
the long jump and the triple jump. Williams returns after
sustaining a knee injury while warming up at the Texas Relays early
this month.
Also participating this weekend will be sprinter Adia McKinnon,
who will compete in both the 400m sprint and the 4x400m. Her return
will also mark her season debut at home and will be a solid
addition to the relay team.
For the No. 2 Bruin team, the return of both McKinnon and
Williams will help compensate for the continued absence of Nilsson,
especially against the arch-rival Trojans.