Oct. 8, 2010

ARLINGTON, Tex. - Now that Adolphus Jones' collegiate career is over, he is blazing a path onto the international scene.

The former UT Arlington standout started that process last week when he earned a seventh-place finish in the decathlon during the XIX Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India.

Competing for St. Kitts and Nevis, Jones produced a personal-best score of 7,258. His score was also the highest in St. Kitts and Nevis history.

During the competition, Jones set personal bests in the shot put (44-2.5) and the 110 hurdles (14.89 seconds). Both of those are national St. Kitts and Nevis records as well. Jones already possessed the pole vault national record.

"I am so happy to make both my country and my university proud," Jones said. "Right now my focus is on continuing to improve and make sure I give myself the best chance to qualify for the 2012 Olympics."

The remarkable part is that Jones accomplished his seventh-place finish despite competing with a stress fracture in his leg. Over the last few weeks, Jones has been unable to fully train - especially in the jumps.

Jones is headed back to Arlington in the next few days and will wear a walking boot while he recovers from his leg injury. Once he recovers, Jones will set his sights on London - the site of the 2012 Summer Olympics.

"If everything falls right, Adolphus will be our next great Olympian," UTA field coach Brandon Berger said.