Lela Nelson, bib no. 129, competes in the heptathlon 800 meter race on her way to the 2005 NCAA title.
Lela Nelson, 2005 NCAA heptathlon champion for Eastern Michigan University, has landed a sponsorship contract with Nike and is turning pro.

The Eagle graduate said the possibility of competing professionally didn't occur to her until she placed fifth in the heptathlon at the USA Outdoor Championships June 23-26 in Carlson, Calif.

Nelson said she felt shocked and delighted to ply her skills among world-class athletes like Maurice Greene.

"I felt like a peon to compete on their level," said Nelson. "Then I thought if I came in fifth place now, with lots of hard work I could also become a world-class athlete someday."

Nelson's finish earned her a berth on Team USA, which competed in August's 2005 Netherlands Heptathlon. In her first international competition, she held third place until the sixth event, then faltered. "I still enjoyed the trip," Nelson said.

The Detroit Mumford High School product is now training for the indoor track and field season, and looking forward to her first pro meet in Boston in early 2006. She will also compete in the Caribbean Outdoor Meet in Martinique this spring.

"My goal it to make it to the 2008 Olympics," Nelson said. MR