EUGENE, Ore. ? Former Tarleton Texan Jeremy Singleton is one long leap away from Beijing, China and the 2008 Olympic Games.

Singleton, a graduate of Tarleton and a four-year letterwinner for the Texans, will compete in the 2008 United States Track and Field Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore. for a chance to advance to the Olympics.

The long jumper is rated No. 23 among competitors who have qualified for the trials and declared their intention to compete. Though only three advance to the Olympic games, Singleton says just qualifying for the trials is a dream come true.

“It's finally happening,” Singleton said. “I can't believe it. I'm so excited because this is what I've been working so hard for.

The Stephenville resident qualified with a jump of 7.89 meters (25 feet, 10 5/8 inches), a personal best. He hit the mark at a track meet at the University of Texas-Arlington earlier this year.

While competing as a jumper and sprinter at Tarleton, Singleton qualified for the NCAA Division II Track and Field Championships all four years of his college career, earning All-American status five times. He qualified for nationals in the 100-meter, 200-meter, 4x100-meter relay and the long jump.

The former Texan has twice competed in the U.S. Indoor Championships since graduating, including the 2008 Championships in Boston earlier this year.

Singleton is scheduled to compete in the qualifying round at the trials at 7:30 p.m. (PST) on Friday in hopes of advancing to the finals scheduled for Sunday at 3:15 p.m. (PST).

The highlights of the long jump qualifier are expected to be broadcast nationally during a special show covering the trials at 11 p.m. (CST) Friday on USA Network. Finals highlights will be seen on NBC during coverage at 6 p.m. Sunday.

“I will try and represent the city of Stephenville and Tarleton to the best of my ability and I will hopefully qualify for the USA Olympic Track and Field Team,” Singleton said.