May 15, 2002
Cullowhee, N.C. - Western Carolina University track and field athlete Michelle Velez traveled to Guatemala City, Guatemala for the Ibero-Americano Games held on Sunday, May 12. Velez represented Puerto Rico in the pole vault at the games and finished in fourth place overall, clearing 12' 9.5".
With that vault, Velez increased her NCAA provisional qualifying mark, which she previously set at 12' 7.5". In addition to this accomplishment, she also tied the WCU outdoor record in the event with Valerie Jalajas, who reached the mark at the 2000 Jesse Owens Classic.
The annual Ibero-Americano Games hosts countries from all of Central and South America, Portugal, Spain and spanish speaking countries in the Caribbean. Competition is at a very high level.
"The Puerto Rican National Team and the Athletic Federation made Michelle's time in Guatemala very enjoyable and they treated her very well," said WCU track and field coach Danny Williamson. "We're all honored that she was chosen to represent Puerto Rico in this event. This exposes her to international competition, which will prepare her for competing at a higher level for us here at Western Carolina."
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