High Point University alum Taylor Milne has qualified for the Canadian Olympic team in the 1,500-meter event.  With a time of 3:38.03, he finished first at the trials on Sunday.

Milne entered the race as the fastest qualifier after an outstanding performance in Friday's qualifying heats.  Milne bided his time behind Nate Brannen and Kurt Benninger as they pushed the pace in hopes of achieving Olympic standard.  With 300 meters to go Milne, who achieved standard last month in Vancouver (3:36.00), pushed into the lead only to have Brannen come back on him at the 200 meter mark.  Entering the homestretch, Milne move back into the lead and pulled away from Brannen to capture his first Canadian Championship.

Milne is believed to be the first athlete from High Point University to qualify for the Olympic games.  A 2005 graduate of HPU, Milne still holds the school record in the 1500-meter.  He also holds the Big South record in the event with a time of 3:43.99 and is a two-time Big South Champion in the 1500-meter.

The Beijing Olympics will take place August 8-24.