Master of Science in Design (MSD) student Selim Nurudeen competed this week in Bejiing in the 110-meter high hurdles for Nigeria. Nurudeen, who is making his Olympic debut, is the lone entrant in that event for Nigeria.

He competed in Round 2 at 6 a.m. on the morning of Aug. 19 for the quarter finals and ran just out of contention to move on to the semi-finals.

In his note to Industrial Design professor Dosun Shin, Selim was concerned about finishing his thesis. Selim, whose research focus is Human Factors Research and Design in the MSD program, is working on a device that combines kinesiology and design for athletes preparing for races, not unlike the hurdles and running that we are all fascinated with during this week's Olympic Games. I am sure we will hear more from this young man, who is also a talented cartoon artist and illustrator.

Congratulations to Selim for this amazing feat of athleticism.