GUANAJUATO, Mexico -- Drake women's track standout Marissa Smith (Ajax, Ontario) sprinted to a new personal best of 13.34 in the 100-meter hurdles Saturday at the 2012 North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Under-23 Track and Field Championships.
Smith who was a representative of her native Canada at the Championships, finished in fifth place in the event. It was her first experience at a large international competition.
Brianna Rollins of the United States won the event in 12.60, while Smith's Canadian teammate Ashlea Maddex finished in third at 13.21.
The Americans dominated the sixth bi-annual NACAC Under-23 Track and Field Championships, winning 43 of the 66 events on the weekend. Smith would not have been the only familiar face for Drake fans at the event. Many champions, such as Kimberlyn Duncan (USA) and Andrea Guebelle (USA) had competed at Drake Stadium throughout the 2012 season.
Smith, a rising senior, is the defending MVC outdoor champion in the women's 100-meter hurdles and MVC indoor champion in the women's 60-meter hurdles. She will compete to defend her titles next season.
2012 NACAC Under-23 Championships Full Results
About the North American, Central American, and Caribbean (NACAC) Championships:
Founded in December of 1988, the NACAC is the continental confederation
governing body for national governing bodies and multi-national federations
within the region. It is one of six area associations of the International
Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF). The organization holds senior and under-23 Track
and Field championships, as well as Mountain Running and Cross Country championships.
Neville McCook of Jamaica is the current president, serving since 2007.The NACAC have held
the bi-annual Under-23 Track and Field championships since 2000.
