UM Hurdler Going for London 2012

For many of the country's top track runners, this week marks the culmination of years of preparation. The U.S. Olympic trials in Oregon is the final event that will determine this year's team that heads to London. In the mix for a spot is a University of Miami hurdler with plenty of that Canes swagger.

"I look forward to doing big things,” said Devon Hill, a UM senior and a two-time ACC champion in the 110 meter hurdles. He's an All-American, school record-holder and he nearly won an NCAA title, finishing second in the 60-meter hurdles.

Hill admitted he hated running when he was growing up in New Jersey.

"I needed something to do between baseball and football in high school so I started running indoor track and I didn't start running hurdles until junior year, but I picked it up quickly,” Hill said.

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That natural ability led him to Coral Gables, where he earned a scholarship to compete under long-time Hurricanes coach Amy Deem. Deem will serve as the head track coach for the entire U.S. Olympic team in London and has high hopes Hill will join her there.

"He's just touching the surface of what he's capable of doing," Deem said.

At the competition, not only will Hill face the best college runners, he'll face the best pros too.

"It'll be different, but as long as I do what I have to do, it should take care of itself. I'm not intimidated at all,” Hill said.

"He's very driven. He's very focused. He knows what he needs to do so I think he's gonna make a big statement before it's all over,” Deem said.

"Just a desire to be the greatest and go down in history. I have a lot of confidence in myself, I don't like being second or third, I like being first," Hill said.

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