UNM Alum Solomon Wins 4x400 Gold at World Championships
LONDON — University of New Mexico track & field alumnus Jarrin Solomon helped Trinidad and Tobago to a win in the men’s 4×400-meter relay on Sunday, the final day of the IAAF World Championships in London.
Solomon, an Albuquerque native and an All-American during his time at UNM, led off for Trinidad and Tobago as they upset the United State in 2 minutes, 58.12 seconds at London Stadium.
It is the same stadium that Solomon and the Trinidadians earned a bronze medal in the 4×400 at the 2012 London Olympics.
After splitting a opening leg of 46.10 seconds, Solomon handed off to Jereem Richards (split of 43.60), with Machel Cedenio (44.40) on the third leg.
Lalonde Gordon anchored Trinidad and Tobago with a 44.02 split, edging the United State’s Fred Kerley for the win. The U.S. team was second in 2:58.61, with Great Britain in third (2:59.00).
Solomon’s father, Mike Solomon, was a two-time Olympian for his native Trinidad, making Jarrin eligible for dual citizenship. Mike was also a UNM track star.
An All-American in the 400 for UNM, Jarrin also earned silver at the 2015 World Championships and bronze at the 2012 World Indoor Championships, the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the 2014 World Relays.
Solomon’s gold comes days after fellow New Mexico alum Courtney Frerichs earned a silver medal in the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase. Frerichs finished with a new personal record of 9:03.77, which ranks seventh all-time in the event.
Additionally, former Lobo sprinter BeeJay Lee earned a silver medal for the United State in the 4×100 meter relay.
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