EUGENE, Ore.- Ave Maria University rising sophomore Michael Long added another accolade to his historic 2024 track season on Thursday, as the Naples native won the 800 meters at the USATF U20 Championships, held on the campus of the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon. The event featured many of the best freshman runners in the nation, with Long coming out on top.

Nearly 5,000 athletes competed for National Championships and World Championship berths during the event. The top-placing athletes in the U20 Championships  earn a spot on Team USA, which will compete in the World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru, from August 27 to 31, 2024. Long's performance in Eugene punches his ticket to Lima, making him the first Ave Maria athlete to represent Team USA on an international stage.

Long ran a personal record of 1:47.54 in the finals, besting Daniel Watcke, a freshman at Villanova University that finished second at the Big East Championships earlier this season. Long was faster on his second 400 meters than his first, running down Watcke in the final few meters to claim the gold medal.

"Michael ran an incredible race," Ave Maria head track coach Alan Webb, who was on site in Eugene, said. "We knew Watcke from Villanova, Casey from Wisconsin and Slavinki from Clemson would be tough to beat, and Michael showed a lot of poise the second lap, especially the last 150m battling with Watcke."

Webb also remarked that Long's faith came into play in the final meters of the race, with the outcome still up in the air.

"He received a blessing from Fr. Mark at Saint Alice parish before the race and I know that was the difference," Webb said. "I am so grateful and happy for Michael earning this victory, and I know he is giving the glory to God; that is the best part and what makes Michael a special athlete."

The USATF national championship adds another mark to an already monster track season for the freshman. Long has not lost a major final in the 800 meters, winning the Sun Conference, NAIA, and now USATF U20 Championships in the last two months.

Long now prepares for the World Championships, held in the final days of August in South America. The full team, including Long, that will represent Team USA in Peru, will be announced by USA Track and Field following the conclusion of all events in Eugene.