Delaware State University’s Donte’ Holmes has qualified for the 2008 World Junior Track & Field Championships in Poland next month.

Holmes, a freshman, is one of two 800-meter runners selected to represent the United States in the international competition for athletes age 20 and under after posting a time of 1:48.66 in the USA Junior Track & Field Championships at Jesse Owens Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, last weekend.

“It’s a great honor to represent America and Delaware State University in the world championships,” said Holmes. “I’m looking forward to competing against the world’s best 800-meter runners in my age group.”

The Team USA selection is the latest honor for Holmes, who competed in the 2008 NCAA National Championships earlier this month. He is also the reigning Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference indoor and outdoor champion in the 800-meter run.

“Donte’ deserves to be on the U.S. Junior National Team because he has some of the country’s  best 800-meter times for his age group this season,” said Duane Henry, Delaware State University men’s head track & field coach. “This selection puts him in the early pool of favorites for future international competition, including the 2012 Olympic Games.”

The 2008 World Junior Championships are set for July 8-13 in Bydgoszcz, Poland.