Eastern Michigan Athletics
Mason Selected to Represent Team USA at World Para Athletics Championships
10/1/2019 10:00:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
The EMU sprinter looks to qualify for 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University women's track and field student-athlete Brittni Mason (Richmond Heights, Ohio-West Geauga) has been selected to represent Team USA at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from Nov. 7-15, U.S. Paralympics Track & Field announced Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 24.
Mason is among 63 athletes, including 43 Paralympians, who will comprise Team USA's roster for the biennial track and field competition, which will take place at the Dubai Club for People of Determination. The EMU senior is expected to compete in the 100m and 200m T46 events.
"I never thought I'd be in this position," said Mason. "I came to Eastern Michigan University to get an amazing education, run track for four years, and graduate. This year, a coach from the USA Paralympic team reached out to my head coach, Sue Parks, here at Eastern and inquired about me. They told her that they were looking to add some talent to their team and thought that I might be a good candidate."
Mason enjoyed a strong 2019 campaign with the Green and White, setting personal-bests in the 100m and 200m sprints at the Tennessee Relays, April 11-13, with wind-aided times of 11.79 and 24.69, respectively. Additionally, Mason notched a legal time of 11.89 in a 100m preliminary heat at the Mid-American Conference Championships, May 9-11. For perspective, the gold medal-winning time in Mason's classification at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was clocked at 12.15.
"Brittni has worked hard for this opportunity and we're excited that she is able to represent the USA and Eastern Michigan at this prestigious event," stated Parks. "We are hoping that this experience will enhance her chances of qualifying for the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo."
Born with Erb's Palsy affecting her left shoulder and arm, Mason nevertheless played a wide range of sports while growing up in Northeast Ohio. In fact, Mason was unaware that she was eligible to compete in World Para Athletics events.
"The doctors told my parents that I would have very limited range of motion in my left shoulder and arm," noted Mason. "My parents put me in sports such as gymnastics, swimming, dance, basketball, and track at a very young age to better my range of motion in my shoulder and arm. I also attended physical and occupational therapy for most of my early years of my life."
With more than 1,300 athletes from over 100 nations set to partake, the event will be the last major opportunity for athletes to gain slots for their respective National Paralympic Committee (NPC) for the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. According to International Paralympic Committee regulations, each NPC can enter a maximum of three athletes per individual medal event.
"I am amazed, humbled, and honored that the USA Paralympic team recognized my potential and has allowed me to compete and represent our country," added Mason. "I am so excited to represent Eastern Michigan University as well as Team USA in November at the World Championships!"
Mason is among 63 athletes, including 43 Paralympians, who will comprise Team USA's roster for the biennial track and field competition, which will take place at the Dubai Club for People of Determination. The EMU senior is expected to compete in the 100m and 200m T46 events.
"I never thought I'd be in this position," said Mason. "I came to Eastern Michigan University to get an amazing education, run track for four years, and graduate. This year, a coach from the USA Paralympic team reached out to my head coach, Sue Parks, here at Eastern and inquired about me. They told her that they were looking to add some talent to their team and thought that I might be a good candidate."
Mason enjoyed a strong 2019 campaign with the Green and White, setting personal-bests in the 100m and 200m sprints at the Tennessee Relays, April 11-13, with wind-aided times of 11.79 and 24.69, respectively. Additionally, Mason notched a legal time of 11.89 in a 100m preliminary heat at the Mid-American Conference Championships, May 9-11. For perspective, the gold medal-winning time in Mason's classification at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was clocked at 12.15.
"Brittni has worked hard for this opportunity and we're excited that she is able to represent the USA and Eastern Michigan at this prestigious event," stated Parks. "We are hoping that this experience will enhance her chances of qualifying for the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo."
Born with Erb's Palsy affecting her left shoulder and arm, Mason nevertheless played a wide range of sports while growing up in Northeast Ohio. In fact, Mason was unaware that she was eligible to compete in World Para Athletics events.
"The doctors told my parents that I would have very limited range of motion in my left shoulder and arm," noted Mason. "My parents put me in sports such as gymnastics, swimming, dance, basketball, and track at a very young age to better my range of motion in my shoulder and arm. I also attended physical and occupational therapy for most of my early years of my life."
With more than 1,300 athletes from over 100 nations set to partake, the event will be the last major opportunity for athletes to gain slots for their respective National Paralympic Committee (NPC) for the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. According to International Paralympic Committee regulations, each NPC can enter a maximum of three athletes per individual medal event.
"I am amazed, humbled, and honored that the USA Paralympic team recognized my potential and has allowed me to compete and represent our country," added Mason. "I am so excited to represent Eastern Michigan University as well as Team USA in November at the World Championships!"
Players Mentioned
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