Aug. 20, 2008

Memphis, Tenn. - Daniel Kiss, a former University of Memphis track and field athlete competed this week for his native country of Hungary in the games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing, China.

Running in the fifth preliminary heat of the 110 hurdles on Aug, 18 at 11:42 a.m. Beijing time, Kiss crossed the finish line with a time of 13.61 which was good enough to grant him bid to the quarterfinal heats.

The quarterfinals took place at 9:02 p.m. Beijing time on Aug. 19. Kiss missed qualifying for the 110 meter hurdle semifinals by one place, running a time of 13.63.

Kiss holds Memphis school records in the 110 hurdles (outdoor) with a time of 13.49 and 60 meter hurdles (indoor) with a time of 7.84 which he ran at the C-USA Indoor Championships.

University of Memphis track and field head coach Kevin Robinson spoke about his former athlete.

"Daniel (Kiss) has done a phenomenal job in representing himself, Hungary, The University of Memphis, and The University of Memphis Track and Field program," Robinson said. "Seeing a former Tiger athlete perform this well at the Olympic games is indicative of where we are trying to take our track and field program. It is my hope that we will see many more tiger athletes at the next Olympic games."

The 110 hurdle semifinals take place tonight in Beijing, China.