DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. -- Douglasville’s own Kristi Castlin advanced to the semifinals in the 100-meter hurdles at the 2016 Rio Olympics on Tuesday.
Castlin, a 2006 graduate of Chapel Hill High School, finished with a time of 12.68s. Her former high school track coach, Kelly Williams, said she was “a nervous wreck” watching the race.
“I feel like Kristi – win, lose or draw – is going to be extremely happy for the experience and the moment,” Williams said.
An injury forced Castlin to miss out on the 2012 Olympics. Her former coach said she’s become resilient over the years.
Castlin has overcome hurdles on and off the track field. She lost her father at a young age, and lost a teammate in a car accident in high school and was at Virginia Tech when a gunman opened fire in 2007 and killed 32 people.
Williams believes Castlin is in the best shape of her life mentally and physically.
Castlin still has more rounds to go before earning a spot on the podium. She’s compete next Wednesday night at 8 p.m.
PHOTOS: Kristi Castlin
