Jackson Free Press

The march to London and 2012 Summer Olympic track and field events began June 24 in Eugene, Ore., at the U.S. Olympic Trial, where the men's 100-meter dash was held. Eight men took to the track looking to place in the top six to earn a spot on the U.S. Men's Track and Field team. Placing sixth in the race was Trell Kimmons of Coldwater, Miss. Kimmons finished with a time of 10.02 seconds, claiming a spot just ahead of former Florida Gator speedster Jeff Demps.

Kimmons attended Hinds Community College, where he was the two-time national junior college 60-meter champion from 2005 to 2006 and the national junior college outdoor 200-meter champion in 2005. He won the national junior college indoor 200-meter championship in 2006.

In 2010, Kimmons won the 60-meter dash at the USA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Albuquerque, N.M., his biggest breakthrough as a professional until making the U.S. Olympic team.

Kimmons returned to Mississippi after being selected for the U.S Olympic Team before heading to Monaco to work with Hinds Community College coach Reginald Dillon. He spoke briefly with the Jackson Free Press at the Jackson-Evers International Airport.

"It's a blessing to represent my country, state and family," Kimmons said. "Mississippi has supported me from high school to my pro career."

Kimmons explained that his trip to London has only one purpose. "Bringing home the gold is all that matters, no sight-seeing," he said. "This is all business."

Before leaving, Kimmons said that he looks forward to competing with the Jamaican team.

In London, Kimmons will run the opening leg of the 4x100 relay.