Photo by: Carl Kafka Photography
Selmon Wins 400H World Title in London
July 15, 2018 | Track & Field
LONDON, England — Donning a USA singlet, recent graduate Kenny Selmon captured the world title in the men's 400-meter hurdles at the 2018 Athletics World Cup in London on Sunday. A photo finish clocked Selmon at 48.97, besting Poland's Patryk Dobek by a mere 0.05 seconds and the top-ranked Annsert Whyte of Jamaica by three spots.
"I am the strongest I have been so I knew I could finish strongly," Selmon said. "It's a huge confidence boost because you have got world and national champions here so to come out here and get the win for the USA is big for me."
Selmon's international performance marks his first appearance since earning the title of national champion at the USA Track & Field Outdoor Championships. He ran 48.22 to capture that first individual national championship shortly after placing second at NCAA Outdoors with a personal best and UNC record of 48.12. Though it is not his first time on the international stage, the experience gave Selmon a new outlook on competition.
"It was so cool," Selmon said. "Being in [London Stadium] is just unreal. It is one of the first times I have really felt like 'Oh my God, I have got to really keep on pushing myself for the crowd.' The crowd was unreal and I love being here."
Selmon is expected to make two more appearances in the USA uniform this summer. Follow UNC track and field on Twitter (@UNCTrack_Field), Instagram (unctrack_field), or Facebook for additional updates on Carolina's impactful competitors.
"I am the strongest I have been so I knew I could finish strongly," Selmon said. "It's a huge confidence boost because you have got world and national champions here so to come out here and get the win for the USA is big for me."
Selmon's international performance marks his first appearance since earning the title of national champion at the USA Track & Field Outdoor Championships. He ran 48.22 to capture that first individual national championship shortly after placing second at NCAA Outdoors with a personal best and UNC record of 48.12. Though it is not his first time on the international stage, the experience gave Selmon a new outlook on competition.
"It was so cool," Selmon said. "Being in [London Stadium] is just unreal. It is one of the first times I have really felt like 'Oh my God, I have got to really keep on pushing myself for the crowd.' The crowd was unreal and I love being here."
Selmon is expected to make two more appearances in the USA uniform this summer. Follow UNC track and field on Twitter (@UNCTrack_Field), Instagram (unctrack_field), or Facebook for additional updates on Carolina's impactful competitors.