*Note: this story was updated on May 26, 2021*

IRVINE, Calif. – Opportunities like this don't come along every day - or even every year - for many collegiate student-athletes.

Which is why it is so special that Concordia's own Paige Johnson will get the chance to compete at the upcoming NCAA DII Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Johnson finished the regular season in strong fashion and in the process, qualified for nationals in three different events. She will get to compete in the 100m dash, 100m hurdles and the long jump on the national stage.

The junior blazed her way to a new school record in the 100m dash with an impressive time of 11.63 seconds at the recent Last Chance Meet hosted by Azusa Pacific. That same weekend, Johnson also rewrote the record books by launching her way to a 6.11 mark in the long jump.

"In all honesty, I thought outdoor nationals was off the table for me this season," said Johnson. "There have been many setbacks this year and it has been hard to see the bigger picture. When I performed the best I ever have at our last chance meet, it was like a splash of ice water to the face and I was immediately refueled. This will (officially) be my first time competing at NCAA DII nationals, and I am very excited to leave everything I got on the track. I'm extremely happy to have my coaches, my family and Eagle family support."

Johnson also brings the third-fastest time in the 100m hurdles to the table.  Her seed time of 13.64 seconds is only 0.10 seconds behind the top mark in that event.

The 2021 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships will be held May 27-29 at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan. The finals for most events are Saturday, May 29.

The entire Eagle family is excited to see how she caps off her season down the stretch!

For the entire field invited to the NCAA DII Outdoor Track & Field Championships, CLICK HERE.

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