Sophomore distant runner Colin Mickow was chosen to be a member for the Under-23 USA team in the NCACAC (North American, Central American, and Caribbean Athletic Association) track and field Championships. The competition will take place in Miramar, Fla., from July 9-11.

Mickow will compete in the 10,000 meters Friday, July 9. Illinois men’s track and field distance coach, Wendel McRaven, hopes the event will be a good learning experience for the young Illinois runner.

“This will be a great opportunity for Colin,” McRaven said in a press release. “It is a real testament to the progress he has made in the last year on the track. The international competition will really help him even more with his progression and help him take it to the next step.”

Mickow met the NACAC Under-23 standard after a breakthrough performance last season at the Big Ten Championships, when he placed third in the 10,000 meters with a personal-best time of 29 minutes, 10.74 seconds.