Aug. 14, 2005

Cape Girardeau, Mo. - Miles Smith, Southeast Missouri State All-American, won a gold medal at the World Championships in Helsinki, Finland.

Smith did not run in the 4 X 400-meter relay finals on Sunday when Team USA won in a time of 2:56.91, but earned the gold medal becuase he ran in the preliminary round on Saturday when he turned in the fastest split for the Americans with a leadoff time of 44.81.

"Miles was taken to the stadium with the four runners who ran and was ready to run if needed," said Southeast coach Joey Haines who accompanied Smith to Helsinki. "He was disappointed he didn't run on Sunday, but he established himself as one of the world's top runners with his performance on Saturday."

"I ran ok on Saturday," Smith told the international media covering the World Championships. "The objective was to get to the finals, hold on to the baton, and we're in the finals."

Haines said everyone associated with USA Track & Field was impressed by Smith and that he has a bright future. For now, it is a return to the United States and falll classes at Southeast.

"I have to take care of my studies because that is why I am at Southeast," Smith said. "I am looking forward to helping Southeast win the OVC indoor and outdoor title and then pointing toward winning an NCAA individual title in the 400-meters. I've had a great season and I just want to continue to get better."