Although Harvard track co-captain Brenda Taylor ’00 has been a college graduate for just three weeks, she has already fulfilled a lifelong ambition.

Fresh off of an NCAA title in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles on June 2, Taylor placed third at the U.S. Track and Field National Championships at Eugene, Ore. last Saturday. Her 55.99-second finish puts her in position to make the U.S. National Team for the World Championships in Edmonton, provided that she can meet the world qualifying standard of 55.67 seconds before July 23.

“It’s been an amazing four years, representing Harvard nationally,” Taylor said following the meet. “Now I can represent them internationally. That is something I really cherish.”

If Taylor makes the national team, she will be joined by three-time defending American champion Sandra Glover and Olympic bronze medallist Tonja Buford-Bailey, who finished first and second, respectively, in front of Taylor. Glover and Buford-Bailey are both veteran runners over 30 years of age.

Michelle Johnson, a 27-year old 1999 Pan American bronze medallist, placed fourth behind Taylor. If Taylor fails to reach the qualifying standard, Johnson—whose personal best is well beyond the qualifying standard—will take her spot. Taylor said that she would run several meets in Europe in order to beat the standard.

“My goal was to be competitive and make the team,” Taylor said. “I still have to work to make the standard. But I think I really can do that. I have the confidence now.”

The third-place finish at U.S. Nationals continued a whirlwind month of landmark events for Taylor. Immediately after graduation, she went to Salt Lake City to claim her Honda Award for the nation’s most outstanding female athlete in track and field. The award made her eligible to win the Broderick Cup, given to the female athlete of the year. Jackie Stiles, the Southwest Missouri State basketball superstar, ultimately won the honor.

Taylor earned her American bronze in typical dramatic fashion, passing Johnson off the final hurdle to secure the national team berth. She won her Penn Relays and NCAA crowns in similar fashion against Texas’ Angel Patterson.