Kareem Streete-Thompson sets sights on '96 Olympics

---

by Ben Glassman

---

As the 1996 Olympics approach, former Rice long jumper Kareem Streete-Thompson is beginning to hit peak form.

Streete-Thompson, a 1995 graduate and holder of the school records in both the indoor and outdoor long jumps, recently posted his most impressive results of this season.

Competing in Japan, he leaped 27 feet to win the long jump, a personal best for him indoors.

Streete-Thompson also tied his personal record of 6.61 in the 60 meters, in the process downing many elite sprinters, including Leroy Burrell.

From Japan, Streete-Thompson traveled to France, where he screamed to the finish in the same event in 6.56 seconds. The time earned him fourth place.

The winning time was the best run this year in the world, and Streete-Thompson's mark was the best run by an American.

Next up is the Mobil 1 in Fairfax,Va., where he hopes to run the 100 meters in 10 seconds.

"Right now, I'm trying to assert myself as a sprinter," he said. "I'm not necessarily trying to make the team this year in sprints, though. It may take two or three years."

This item appeared in the Sports section of the February 23, 1996 issue.

Copyright © 1996 The Rice Thresher. All Rights Reserved.
This document may be distributed electronically, provided that it is distributed in its entirety and includes this notice. However, it cannot be reprinted without the express written permission of:
The Rice Thresher, Rice University, 6100 Main, Houston, TX 77005-1892, USA.