Former North Carolina A&T Track & Field star Calesio Newman nearly advanced to the 2012 London Olympic Games, falling just 1/100^th of a second short of making the Team USA squad in the 200 meter dash.

Newman placed fourth in the 200 meter run with a 20.17 time on June 30, just missing the Top 3 cutoff to qualify for Team USA.   He set a new personal best in the outdoor 200 with his previous best being a 20.28 time, which earned him second place in the 200 meter preliminary at the USATF Olympic Trials on June 29.

There was a question as to whether Newman pulled up too early to look at the crowd because he believed he had third place wrapped up. He said that was not the case.

On his twitter page @Mr_Sprinta, he wrote: "I just want everyone to know I left it all out on the track. Thanks for everyone for your support. I wasn't looking. I was leaning for the line but lesson learned. I still give God the praise."

Newman also ran a 10.19 time in the 100 meter preliminary and a 10.32 time in the 100 meter semi-final race at the Trials. 

Newman represented the U.S. in the Pan American Games, which were held in Guadalajara, Mexico, last fall en route to preparing for the Olympic Trials. 

Newman, a native of Green Sea, S.C. graduated from A&T in 2010.  While at A&T, Newman was a four-time NCAA Regional qualifier, a three-time NCAA Nationals qualifier and a two-time USA Track and Field Championship qualifier.  He left A&T as the three-time 100 meter champion, and he won the 200 as a senior.

"He ran a great race," said James Daniels, who is the interim director of track and field programs at North Carolina A&T. Daniels is also Newman's trainer.

"He has had a wonderful season," Daniels added. "He has represented his family, himself and North Carolina A&T as an alumnus."