CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. --- Chattanooga senior runner Kennedy Thomson is one of 50 athletes chosen to represent Canada this summer at the North America Central America Caribbean (NACAC) U18 and U23 Championships in Mexico.
 
"I am thrilled and honored to have been selected to represent Team Canada in the 800m," Thomson said. "It is a great privilege to represent my nation, UTC and my hometown at an event like this. Coach Amanda [Cotter] and I have been consistently improving together and we have worked hard to prepare for opportunities like this."
 
Thomson, an all-conference performer who holds three school records for the Mocs, will represent Canada in the women's 800 meter run July 5-7 in Queretaro, Mexico. She broke Chattanooga's 800m and 1500m marks last winter during the UTC indoor season and earned all-conference honors in the 800 meter run at the Southern Conference Championships. She then broke the school record in the 800 meter during the outdoor season.
 
"Kennedy has been in terrific form all outdoor season," Chattanooga assistant coach Amanda Cotter said. "It's great that she had the chance to extend her competitive season. Her invitation to compete at NACAC is a testament to how hard she's worked all season. Making a national team is a huge honor and will be an invaluable experience for her."
 
At a high performance meet in Hamilton, Ontario this spring, Thomson lowered her personal best in the 800 meter to 2:05.73.
 
"This race enabled me to compete against the best 800m athletes in Canada and hit the NACAC U23 standard to secure my spot on Team Canada," Thomson said. "Earning my first Team Canada assignment gives me the opportunity to compete against world class athletes on an international stage."
 
Team Canada's U23 team consists of 25 athletes (12 men and 13 women). The top two declared 800m times were selected. Athletes from 31 countries, including the United States, will travel to Mexico this summer.
 
"I am so grateful for the support and encouragement that Coach Amanda and Coach Andy [Meyer, head coach] and the entire UTC community have provided. I hope to continue this progress and compete amongst the top women at the NACAC Championships. This experience will undoubtedly help prepare me to better represent UTC in the upcoming NCAA season.
 
"I am looking forward to returning to the UTC campus and continuing my training in the fall."