A younger Kimberlyn Duncan shared the same far-fetched dream as most aspiring track and field athletes. Growing up in Katy, Texas, Duncan would often tell her parents and other relatives how she dreamed of running for her country in the Olympics. Now, just three races away from making her dream a reality, Duncan said she still can’t comprehend what could lie ahead. “I never thought that I would be on this stage,” Duncan said. “Not at all.” Already considered one of the most decorated athletes in LSU track and field history, Duncan, a rising senior, will hit the track in the first round of the 200-meter dash tonight in Eugene, Ore., at the U.S. Olympic Trials. Fresh off leading the Lady Tigers to their first outdoor national championship since 2008, Duncan, whose 200-meter dash time ranks No. 2 overall in the world for 2012, said that while the venue and competition may change, her mindset does not. “I just have to stay focused,” Duncan said. “Overall, I’m feeling good and ready to go.” Duncan’s time of 22.19 seconds trails only Sanya Richards-Ross, who will line up in the 200-meter dash in Eugene after winning a gold and a bronze medal in Beijing during the 2008 Games. Facing the likes of Allyson Felix and Carmelita Jeter, who were silver and bronze medalists at the World Championships last summer, Duncan admitted the field is a step up from what she’s accustomed to. But after her performance at the NCAA Championship meet, where she led all scorers with 20.5 points, Duncan is confident she can carry the momentum with her to Eugene. “I’m always running against the best athletes [in the NCAA],” Duncan said. “The only thing that changes is these are the best in the country.” After Thursday’s first round, the top 18 runners will advance to the semifinals Friday night, with the best eight runners making the finals Saturday. The top three finishers in the finals will represent the United States in London. Teammate Semoy Hackett already punched her ticket to London, qualifying in the 200-meter dash and 100-meter dash for her native Trinidad & Tobago. Former Lady Tiger standout Lolo Jones will also be headed to London after a thrilling 100-meter hurdles finals where she beat out Virginia Crawford by only .04 seconds. Duncan added that her parents are flying into Eugene today to be there as she tries to live up to her childhood aspiration of running in the Olympics, saying she wants to savor the moment with them. “I talked to my mom when I got my credential,” Duncan said. “All she could tell me is, ‘We’re so proud of you.'”
 
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