Merckle Earns Bronze at NACAC U23 Games
7/17/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track and Field
Complete Results
By Wake Forest Athletic Communications (@WakeTrack)
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador – Former Wake Forest women's track and field student-athlete Jessie Merckle wrapped up her javelin throwing career with a bronze-medal showing at the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association Under-23 Championships on Sunday.
Merckle placed third with a throw of 53.28m at Jorge "El Magico" Gonzalez National Stadium in San Salvador, El Salvador. Cuba's Yulenmis Aguilar won the event with a toss of 57.09m, while fellow American and Sarah Firestone, a junior at Nebraska, came in second with a mark of 53.96m. Merckle beat out Olivia Leckford Marshall of Jamaica for the final medal spot.
"This was the perfect way for Jessie to end her phenomenal career as a javelin thrower," said Demon Deacon assistant coach Zeb Sion, who coached Merckle throughout her four years in Winston-Salem. "To represent your country, have a great series of throws and medal was amazing. I couldn't be more proud of her for this performance and everything she has accomplished over the last four years. I actually can't do it justice by putting it in words."
A native of Hickory, Pa., Merckle recently graduated from Wake Forest after winning three ACC javelin titles and earning All-America status three times. She set a personal record and school record at the High Point VertKlasse Meeting this past season with a throw of 56.91m. She came in 10th place at the NCAA Outdoor Championships after a senior season that included three event wins and a pair of runner-up finishes.
Earlier in July, Merckle placed 20th in the qualifying round at the U.S. Olympic Trials at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.
Players Mentioned
