Jeff Demps added to U.S. Olympic Team

Former Florida Gators running back Jeff Demps, who gave up the sport of football in order to concentrate on his professional track career, was added to the United States’ roster for the 2012 London Olympics on Tuesday.

Demps finished in seventh place in the 100 meter dash at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in June but earned his way onto the team as an injury replacement for Mike Rodgers, who suffered a stress fracture in his left foot.

He will be a member of the pool for the 4×100 meter relay and could be chosen as one of four athletes to represent his country in the event.

“I’m excited about going over and having an opportunity to go to the Olympics,” Demps told the Florida school website on Wednesday. “For me to get another opportunity to actually make the team, it feels good. It’s an honor.”

Demps is the 33rd current or former Florida student-athlete who will represent his or her country in the Olympics. For full coverage of Gators in the Olympics, be sure to visit and bookmark OGGOA‘s dedicated and constantly updated page.

Photo Credit: Jim Burgess