UTEP track stars looking to make noise at IAAF World Championships

Two UTEP Miners will look to add world titles to their recent NCAA championships in London this weekend and next week.

Emmanuel Korir, fresh off a national title in the 800m, and Tobi Amusan, the 2017 women’s 100m hurdles NCAA champion, will compete at the IAAF World Championships along with three former UTEP athletes.

Korir, a native of Kenya, will begin competition in the 800m on Saturday, Aug. 5. He enters the championships with the third-fastest time in the world this year.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan will compete in the 100m hurdles beginning on Friday, Aug. 11.

Joining Amusan in the women’s 100m hurdles is former UTEP star Greta Kerekes, who will be representing Hungary.

Churandy Martina, the UTEP record-holder in the men’s 100m dash, will be competing for the Netherlands. He will attempt to claim gold in the 200m dash.

The former Miner with the busiest schedule, however, is Blessing Okagbare of Nigeria.

She will be competing in a total of three events – the 100m dash, the 4 x 100, and the long jump.

Okagbare won silver in the long jump at the 2008 Olympics and will be making her fourth overall appearance at the IAAF World Championships beginning on Aug. 5.