BU Track & Field in Rio
July 27, 2016 | General, Men's Track & Field, Women's Track & Field
Press Releases
• Acheampong set to compete for Ghana at Rio Olympics
• Johnson named to USA Track & Field Olympic Staff
Rio Olympics Links
Official Website | NBC Olympics Website | All-Time BU Olympians
Boston University has a rich history at the Olympics with alums winning medals over the years in track & field, ice hockey, rowing, sailing and even equestrian.
Once again, BU will have representation with former Terrier Gemma Acheampong ('15) racing in the 4x100 relay for Ghana and current Director of Track & Field Robyne Johnson focusing on jumps as an assistant coach with the U.S. Track & Field team.
Fans are encouraged to come back to this blog (goterriers.com/rio2016) for the latest information on the two Terriers once the 2016 Rio Olympics commence. Following the Opening Ceremony on Friday, Aug. 5, the track & field competition will begin Friday, August 12.
Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016 - Robyne Johnson, BU Director of Track & Field
"Now that I am home and got some rest, some final thoughts on my experience in Rio."
"It was such an amazing experience that it was almost overwhelming. When you are in a moment you sometimes don't appreciate it, but I stopped several times and thought to myself, my god, this is awesome. I don't use the word awesome much because it is so overused, but in this case it is really the only word that fits. It was truly an awesome experience."
"On the track, to be a part of history like that was something special. The USA Track & Field Team won more medals than at any Olympics other than the 1984 games when we won 40 after all the eastern-block countries boycotted. The US won 30 medals in London in 2012 and this year in Rio we won 32 medals. To go 1, 2 in the long jump, to sweep the women's hurdles (which has never been done before), to win the shot put which we haven't done in 50 years, was special to be a part of. The coaches treated the men's and women's team as one team and we all helped each other out. It was a really great group of kids to be around. Well, they're not really kids because some are 30 years old, but to me they are all kids."
"I also have some fond memories off the track. Meeting US Secretary of State John Kerry was quite a thrill. He was a very eloquent speaker, down-to-earth and engaging. We had a good connection because I am from BU and Massachusetts, so it was a real thrill getting to spend some time with him."
"I also was able to attend the USA vs. Argentina men's basketball game. The Argentina fans were very loud and rowdy but the US handled them pretty easily. It was great having my son Joshua with me, he was very impressed. He is 12 years old and usually isn't impressed by anything but attending that basketball game and the Olympics definitely left an impression on him."
"Below are some more photos I took with captions. Enjoy. Thank you to everyone for all your support and love. I could never had made it to the Olympics without you!"
Olympic Park
At closing ceremonies
USA Women's Track & Field Coaching Staff
Our medical staff
With my 12 year old son Joshua. I think I finally impressed him.
With Christian Taylor, gold medalist in the triple jump.
With Ryan (R) and Sam Crouser. They both competed in the shot put and Ryan won the gold.
I had the honor of throwing America flags to our athletes after they competed.
Our 4x400 gold medalists with the American flags I threw. Like I said, Awesome!
Sunday, Aug. 21, 2016 - Gemma Acheampong ('15) Boston University Track & Field Assistant Coach
"After competing on Wednesday, I was pretty disappointed not making it to finals, but I knew I could still enjoy some of the attractions Brazil had to offer with my teammates. We went to see possibly the most famous one - The Christ the Redeemer Statue. Getting there was a journey in itself, and we had a blast exploring the city during our last few days."
"My teammate and close friend, Flings, was the flag-bearer during Closing Ceremonies, which was another amazing experience to top off my Olympic experience. I left a little earlier than most because of how late it was getting and because of the bad weather, but I still had an awesome time among friends."
"My first Olympic experience didn't go off without a hitch, but it's a huge motivator for my career as an athlete!"
Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016 - RESULTS UPDATE: Gemma Acheampong ('15) competed in the women's 4x100 relay for Ghana and finished 8th in heat 1 with a time of 43.37. Ghana did not advance to the finals.
Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016 - RESULTS UPDATE: USA wins gold and silver in the women's long jump! Tianna Bartoletta takes first with a personal-best jump of 7.17 meters and Brittney Reese takes second with a leap of 7.15 meters. The gold and silver medals mark the first time in Olympic history that the US has finished 1-2 in the women's long jump.
Robyne Johnson, BU Director of Track & Field
"History was made tonight! It was the first time ever the US went 1, 2 in the women's long jump at an Olympic Games and also a 1-2-3 sweep of the women's hurdles. The USA won 7 medals in 20 minutes! I am honored and blessed to be part of such an inspiring Olympic Games and to be part of the best track team in the world!"
"Below is a photo with long jump gold medalist Tianna Bartoletta along with a pic of her gold medal. Also, a selfie with 4-time gold medalist in gymnastics Simone Biles and our official USA Track and Field team photo. I am in the middle row, fifth from the right."
Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016 - SCHEDULE AND RESULTS UPDATE:
Gemma Acheampong ('15) is scheduled to compete in the first round of the women's 4x100 relay for Ghana on Thursday, Aug. 18 beginning at 10:20 am. The 4x100 relay finals are scheduled Friday, Aug 19 at 9:15 pm.
Robyne Johnson, BU Director of Track & Field and assistant coach for team USA in jumps and combined events, will coach the US in the finals of the women's long jump on Wednesday at 8:15 pm. On Sunday, Aug. 14, USA's Keturah Orji finished 4th in the women's triple jump with a leap of 14.71 meters. Earlier, USA's Kendell Williams finished 4th in Heptathlon with a final score of 13.04s.
Friday, Aug. 12, 2016 - Gemma Acheampong ('15), Boston University Track & Field Assistant Coach
"The opening ceremony was amazing! It was an unforgettable experience that really sunk home that I'm an Olympian now. I felt extremely proud to be representing Ghana and suddenly couldn't wait to be on the track."
"It's been a hectic past couple of days in Rio for me. With the start of track on the horizon, the Olympic Stadium was made open to the athletes and coaches for practice."
"Of course, I stumbled on coach Johnson there and had to take a photo!"
Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016 - Robyne Johnson, BU Director of Track & Field
"We have been very busy here. There is so much to do and take care of. You can tell competition starts tomorrow (Friday, Aug. 12th). Everyone is fine-tuning and preparing themselves for the world's biggest stage. The excitement is really building."
"Tomorrow morning is Day 1 of track and field with the heptathlon and then the triple jump. We need to be up at 5:00 a.m. to check the athletes and make sure they have everything and don't have two right sneakers on. All the athletes need to be in official Team USA gear. Nothing is allowed that wasn't issued by your federation. The officials take it very seriously and there are big fines if you don't comply so no one wants that."
"This week we were able to do some sight seeing and visited the Christ the Redeemer statue (picture below). It is breathtaking here. I also must say that we feel very safe walking around Rio. Brazil has put 48,000 soldiers on the streets to secure the city."
"We had a walk through in the Olympic Stadium yesterday (Wednesday) and we are finally ready to go. The US team is looking great. In fact, we look like the world's best team, which is who we are! It is finally here. Go team USA!!!!"
Thursday, Aug. 4, 2016 - Robyne Johnson, BU Director of Track & Field
"I have arrived at the village and it is amazing! The people hosting us are great. We have had nothing but positive experiences here. Best of all so far, not a mosquito in sight!"
"It really is just incredible to see all the best athletes in the world in one place interacting. I am doing my best to soak up every single moment. I ran into Gemma yesterday and it was wonderful seeing her here as an Olympian. We will be sure to get some photos together soon."
"Below are some pictures: My dorm room and view of the Olympic Village, photos with Secretary of State John Kerry and with members of the women's US Olympic volleyball team. More to come!"
• Acheampong set to compete for Ghana at Rio Olympics
• Johnson named to USA Track & Field Olympic Staff
Rio Olympics Links
Official Website | NBC Olympics Website | All-Time BU Olympians
Boston University has a rich history at the Olympics with alums winning medals over the years in track & field, ice hockey, rowing, sailing and even equestrian.
Once again, BU will have representation with former Terrier Gemma Acheampong ('15) racing in the 4x100 relay for Ghana and current Director of Track & Field Robyne Johnson focusing on jumps as an assistant coach with the U.S. Track & Field team.
Fans are encouraged to come back to this blog (goterriers.com/rio2016) for the latest information on the two Terriers once the 2016 Rio Olympics commence. Following the Opening Ceremony on Friday, Aug. 5, the track & field competition will begin Friday, August 12.
Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016 - Robyne Johnson, BU Director of Track & Field
"Now that I am home and got some rest, some final thoughts on my experience in Rio."
"It was such an amazing experience that it was almost overwhelming. When you are in a moment you sometimes don't appreciate it, but I stopped several times and thought to myself, my god, this is awesome. I don't use the word awesome much because it is so overused, but in this case it is really the only word that fits. It was truly an awesome experience."
"On the track, to be a part of history like that was something special. The USA Track & Field Team won more medals than at any Olympics other than the 1984 games when we won 40 after all the eastern-block countries boycotted. The US won 30 medals in London in 2012 and this year in Rio we won 32 medals. To go 1, 2 in the long jump, to sweep the women's hurdles (which has never been done before), to win the shot put which we haven't done in 50 years, was special to be a part of. The coaches treated the men's and women's team as one team and we all helped each other out. It was a really great group of kids to be around. Well, they're not really kids because some are 30 years old, but to me they are all kids."
"I also have some fond memories off the track. Meeting US Secretary of State John Kerry was quite a thrill. He was a very eloquent speaker, down-to-earth and engaging. We had a good connection because I am from BU and Massachusetts, so it was a real thrill getting to spend some time with him."
"I also was able to attend the USA vs. Argentina men's basketball game. The Argentina fans were very loud and rowdy but the US handled them pretty easily. It was great having my son Joshua with me, he was very impressed. He is 12 years old and usually isn't impressed by anything but attending that basketball game and the Olympics definitely left an impression on him."
"Below are some more photos I took with captions. Enjoy. Thank you to everyone for all your support and love. I could never had made it to the Olympics without you!"
Olympic Park
At closing ceremonies
USA Women's Track & Field Coaching Staff
Our medical staff
With my 12 year old son Joshua. I think I finally impressed him.
With Christian Taylor, gold medalist in the triple jump.
With Ryan (R) and Sam Crouser. They both competed in the shot put and Ryan won the gold.
I had the honor of throwing America flags to our athletes after they competed.
Our 4x400 gold medalists with the American flags I threw. Like I said, Awesome!
Sunday, Aug. 21, 2016 - Gemma Acheampong ('15) Boston University Track & Field Assistant Coach
"After competing on Wednesday, I was pretty disappointed not making it to finals, but I knew I could still enjoy some of the attractions Brazil had to offer with my teammates. We went to see possibly the most famous one - The Christ the Redeemer Statue. Getting there was a journey in itself, and we had a blast exploring the city during our last few days."
"My teammate and close friend, Flings, was the flag-bearer during Closing Ceremonies, which was another amazing experience to top off my Olympic experience. I left a little earlier than most because of how late it was getting and because of the bad weather, but I still had an awesome time among friends."
"My first Olympic experience didn't go off without a hitch, but it's a huge motivator for my career as an athlete!"
Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016 - RESULTS UPDATE: Gemma Acheampong ('15) competed in the women's 4x100 relay for Ghana and finished 8th in heat 1 with a time of 43.37. Ghana did not advance to the finals.
Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016 - RESULTS UPDATE: USA wins gold and silver in the women's long jump! Tianna Bartoletta takes first with a personal-best jump of 7.17 meters and Brittney Reese takes second with a leap of 7.15 meters. The gold and silver medals mark the first time in Olympic history that the US has finished 1-2 in the women's long jump.
Robyne Johnson, BU Director of Track & Field
"History was made tonight! It was the first time ever the US went 1, 2 in the women's long jump at an Olympic Games and also a 1-2-3 sweep of the women's hurdles. The USA won 7 medals in 20 minutes! I am honored and blessed to be part of such an inspiring Olympic Games and to be part of the best track team in the world!"
"Below is a photo with long jump gold medalist Tianna Bartoletta along with a pic of her gold medal. Also, a selfie with 4-time gold medalist in gymnastics Simone Biles and our official USA Track and Field team photo. I am in the middle row, fifth from the right."
Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016 - SCHEDULE AND RESULTS UPDATE:
Gemma Acheampong ('15) is scheduled to compete in the first round of the women's 4x100 relay for Ghana on Thursday, Aug. 18 beginning at 10:20 am. The 4x100 relay finals are scheduled Friday, Aug 19 at 9:15 pm.
Robyne Johnson, BU Director of Track & Field and assistant coach for team USA in jumps and combined events, will coach the US in the finals of the women's long jump on Wednesday at 8:15 pm. On Sunday, Aug. 14, USA's Keturah Orji finished 4th in the women's triple jump with a leap of 14.71 meters. Earlier, USA's Kendell Williams finished 4th in Heptathlon with a final score of 13.04s.
Friday, Aug. 12, 2016 - Gemma Acheampong ('15), Boston University Track & Field Assistant Coach
"The opening ceremony was amazing! It was an unforgettable experience that really sunk home that I'm an Olympian now. I felt extremely proud to be representing Ghana and suddenly couldn't wait to be on the track."
"It's been a hectic past couple of days in Rio for me. With the start of track on the horizon, the Olympic Stadium was made open to the athletes and coaches for practice."
"Of course, I stumbled on coach Johnson there and had to take a photo!"
Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016 - Robyne Johnson, BU Director of Track & Field
"We have been very busy here. There is so much to do and take care of. You can tell competition starts tomorrow (Friday, Aug. 12th). Everyone is fine-tuning and preparing themselves for the world's biggest stage. The excitement is really building."
"Tomorrow morning is Day 1 of track and field with the heptathlon and then the triple jump. We need to be up at 5:00 a.m. to check the athletes and make sure they have everything and don't have two right sneakers on. All the athletes need to be in official Team USA gear. Nothing is allowed that wasn't issued by your federation. The officials take it very seriously and there are big fines if you don't comply so no one wants that."
"This week we were able to do some sight seeing and visited the Christ the Redeemer statue (picture below). It is breathtaking here. I also must say that we feel very safe walking around Rio. Brazil has put 48,000 soldiers on the streets to secure the city."
"We had a walk through in the Olympic Stadium yesterday (Wednesday) and we are finally ready to go. The US team is looking great. In fact, we look like the world's best team, which is who we are! It is finally here. Go team USA!!!!"
Thursday, Aug. 4, 2016 - Robyne Johnson, BU Director of Track & Field
"I have arrived at the village and it is amazing! The people hosting us are great. We have had nothing but positive experiences here. Best of all so far, not a mosquito in sight!"
"It really is just incredible to see all the best athletes in the world in one place interacting. I am doing my best to soak up every single moment. I ran into Gemma yesterday and it was wonderful seeing her here as an Olympian. We will be sure to get some photos together soon."
"Below are some pictures: My dorm room and view of the Olympic Village, photos with Secretary of State John Kerry and with members of the women's US Olympic volleyball team. More to come!"
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