CHENGDU, China – Ottawa University track and field athletes, Jaylan Washington, Kayron Johnson, and Hadyn Bieling competed in the FISU World University Games at the Shuangliu Sports Centre. OU coaches, Steve Paternostro and Jim Whittaker, were part of the USA staff. The event took place August 1 through August 6.
 
"Jaylan, Hadyn, and Kayron didn't just race and jump on the World University Games track, they soared, carving history for Ottawa University," said Paternostro. "For a small school like ours to have three athletes and two dedicated coaches wear the USA colors is nothing short of phenomenal. Standing toe-to-toe with Continental champions, Olympians, and the fiercest competitors from around the globe, our athletes showcased heart, grit, and unyielding dedication. Even though fate played its cards with the USA 4x400m relay, these athletes have cemented their legacy. The sheer joy, pride, and passion in their eyes as they paraded under the USA banner is an image etched in my heart forever. Their performances give me chills, reminding me of the boundless potential when talent meets dedication. To Jaylan, Hadyn, and Kayron: you've made Ottawa and the USA incredibly proud, holding your own on the world stage, and illuminating the spirit of sportsmanship and perseverance."
 
Washington competed in the 100M and was a member of the 4x100M Relay Team. He finished second in his heat in round one with a time of 10.57 to qualify for the 100M semifinals. In the semifinals, he ran a time of 10.52 to finish eighth in his heat. The 4x100M Relay Team placed eighth overall. Washington was the KCAC Outdoor Champion in the 100M, the 200M, and was part of the championship 4x100M Relay team. He earned NAIA All-American honors in the 100M with his eighth-place finish in 2023. Washington was named Co-KCAC Men's Track Athlete(s) of the Meet.
                                                                                                                                                                      
   "Jaylan's electrifying sprint to the 100m dash semifinals and being part of the USA 4x100m team, finishing 8th globally, is a testament to his talent and an unforgettable achievement." – Steve Paternastro
 
Johnson participated in the triple jump, finishing 10^th in his flight with a mark of 14.68. That jump set a new school record in the triple jump, breaking Tony Porter's mark of 14.60. This past spring, Johnson was the KCAC Outdoor Champion in the 110M Hurdles, the 400M Hurdles, and was part of the 4x100M Relay championship team. He was named Co-KCAC Men's Track Athlete(s) of the Meet. Johnson competed in the 400M Hurdles (53.99) to finish 13th and the 4x100M Relay (41.09), finishing 19^th, at the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships.
 
     "Kayron leapt beyond expectations, finishing his college journey with a personal best in the triple jump and making us all beam with pride." – Steve Paternastro
 
Bieling competed in the decathlon, finishing 12^th overall. He was a 2023 NAIA All-American in the high jump with his sixth place finish. Bieling earned All-KCAC honors in the high jump with a second place finish at the KCAC Championships. He had a personal best mark of 2.10M at the Drake Relays to finish second. Bieling placed sixth in the high jump at the Kansas Relays with a jump of 2.06M.
 
     "Hadyn displayed exceptional fortitude in the decathlon, braving extreme conditions and shining particularly in the high jump, embodying the spirit of Team USA." – Steve Paternastro

Coach Whittaker has this to add about his student athletes performances, "People within the United States don't know much about the World University Games, but to the rest of the world this is one of the biggest competitions on the planet. Our small-school kids just competed against athletes who will be at the World Championships in Budapest April 19th-27th, and they looked like they belonged. We've been home for a few days, and I still don't have the words to adequately describe the experience we just had. Thanks so much to Dr Wenyika and the OU administrators who helped make this happen. This was an opportunity these kids and our coaching staff will never forget."
 
Click on the links below to view the video provided by Coach Paternostro.
https://youtu.be/wMjYe6TtXek
https://youtu.be/2ut_bx8-pfw
https://youtu.be/-PYJlzX865o